I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 127 together.
Community Employment (CE) progression statistics for 2013 show that of the 8,191 participants who finished and exited the programme during that year, 2,122 (25.9%) were recorded as having found employment (1,927) or self-employment (195). A further 617 (7.5%) progressed on exit into further education, training or internship programmes, giving an overall progression figure of 33.4%. The remainder of CE exits returned to their former social welfare payment, where applicable.
However, it is important to note that these statistics were recorded immediately after the participants exited CE, so persons who finished and found employment or commenced further education/training subsequent to their CE exit may not have their employment or progression into training/education fully captured for statistical purposes.
Considerable improvements have been made to the CE Programme in the past two years. This includes the introduction of a 3 year application process, improved financial monitoring and programme monitoring systems, and a greater focus on needs of job seekers and other vulnerable groups. Greater efficiencies have also been achieved in terms of the overall administration and management of the programme, both at scheme and Department level. This improvement process will continue during 2014 with a continued focus on progression of the client and continued support for the delivery of important social services to communities across the country.
