Brendan Howlin
Ceist:36 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Labour if he will review the position whereby those signing for credits are not allowed to avail of the social employment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Employment Scheme Access.
I do not have any plans to change the eligibility criteria so as to allow persons signing for credits to participate in the social employment scheme.
The social employment scheme is the principal manpower intervention to assist the long term unemployed. The eligibility conditions specify that participants must be over 25, on the live register and either in receipt of unemployment assistance or unemployed for at least 12 months and in receipt of unemployment benefit. Compensating savings on the Department of Social Welfare Vote arise when persons on the live register go on the scheme. This would not be the case where persons signing for credits are concerned.