Vol. 413 No. 5
106 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Labour if he is planning any changes in the sponsorship and operation of social employment schemes; if it is intended to allow private sector employers become sponsors of schemes; and if he will outline the aspects of the social employment schemes which are currently under review.
All aspects of employment schemes including the social employment scheme are kept under review having regard to budgetary constraints and the need to ensure that they are reaching their target groups and changes are made as appropriate.
The companies being set up under the area-based response to long term unemployment outlined in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress may involve private sector employers in the sponsorship and management of social employment scheme projects.
107 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline the position in regard to annual leave for those employed in social employment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Participants are engaged on the social employment scheme (SES) for an average of 20 hours per week for a maximum of 52 weeks, generally on a week on/week off or a two-and-a-half-day-week basis.
Although holidays are not specifically provided for under the SES, in practice, participants and sponsors generally come to a mutually acceptable arrangement regarding holidays.
108 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Labour if he will consider paying those on social employment schemes a Christmas bonus this year.
Participants on the social employment scheme have not been paid a Christmas bonus in the past. The level of payments to participants on the scheme is pitched above that which such persons would be entitled to had they remained on social welfare. Accordingly, participants on the scheme are compensated for the loss of extra benefits such as the Christmas bonus to which they might be entitled had they remained on the live register.
