Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2013
133. Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection when the local authority social employment scheme announced in budget 2013 will be rolled out; and the way places on the scheme will be allocated. [14438/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government, as part of the Budget package for 2013, announced a number of initiatives focused on providing work opportunities for those currently unemployed. One element of this package is the development of a new initiative with local authorities to provide 3,000 work opportunities in 2013. This is in line with the commitments set out in the Action Plan for Jobs and Pathways to Work.
The design of the local authority initiative and the nature of work to be undertaken will be determined by local authorities with the input of a range of stakeholders, including those bodies responsible for the delivery of other schemes funded by the Department. Development work on this new initiative is well advanced with the local authorities and I hope to be a position to agree a number of pilot projects in the coming weeks which will help to inform the final design of this important initiative.
