Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 February 2015
216. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to reports that the community employment and employment services programmes are now only accepting persons on training if they can confirm they have a job secured when they leave the training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4939/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe eligibility criteria for community employment (CE) is published on the Department’s website – www.welfare.ie. There is no requirement to “have a job secured” prior to commencing a CE placement, indeed if the applicant had a job secured this would prohibit them from participating on CE as the criteria for entry for the majority of clients is to be unemployed for a minimum of 1 year. As the Deputy is aware, the purpose of CE is to prepare jobseekers for employment.
