The community employment programme is operated by FÁS and offers a number of options to certain unemployed persons, lone parents and those referred by the National Rehabilitation Board, NRB, to take up employment with a sponsor for one to three years. The Social Welfare Act, 1996, provided for the introduction of Class A PRSI cover to new community employment workers with effect from 6 April 1996. As an exceptional measure, existing community employment workers were given until 30 April 1996, to opt for Class A if they so wished. PRSI Class A provides cover for the full range of social insurance benefits.
In addition to community employment, FÁS operates a wide range of training courses designed to enhance opportunities to enter or return to the workforce. Participants on these training courses are insurable at PRSI Class J and are covered for occupational injuries benefits only. However, participants meet the normal conditions for award of credited contributions are awarded a Class A social insurance credit in respect of the periods spent on these courses.