Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 24 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 5

Written Answers. - Community Employment Schemes.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

174 Mr. O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the discussions she has had with the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs in relation to proposals to ensure that the practice whereby those completing a community employment scheme are only paid for two days in the week after the completion of the community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23298/00]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney):

When participants on a community employment project have completed their term on the programme and are unable to find suitable employment in the open labour market they may qualify for an unemployment payment.

The payment of unemployment assistance-benefit to unemployed persons is a matter for the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs. Accordingly, any change to the current arrangements would be a matter for that Department.