Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2017
405. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if provision will be made whereby an extension to participants in respect of community employment schemes can be approved, with particular reference to difficulties experienced by local community groups in filling such posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9552/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department provides a range of activation supports catering for long-term unemployed jobseekers and those most distant from the labour market. These supports include employment schemes such as Community Employment (CE). These schemes provide part-time temporary work in local communities, as a stepping stone back to employment. The objective of these schemes is to break the cycle of unemployment and maintain work readiness, thereby improving a person’s opportunities in returning to the labour market. Communities benefit from the skills and talents of participants and, in addition, participants are provided with the opportunity to improve existing skills, or develop new skills, while performing valuable work in their local communities.
All participants and community groups are aware of the time limits for participation on these schemes. The participation limits aim to ensure the benefit of participation on a work scheme is available to the widest possible number of jobseekers. In addition, it is generally recognised that there is a greater likelihood of a ‘lock–in’ effect where a scheme is of a longer duration.
Officials in my Department’s Intreo offices co-ordinate the recruitment process for work schemes at a local level and they will be happy to assist in relation to any local recruitment issues to ensure the maximum utilisation of places. If any scheme is experiencing particular difficulties filling vacancies, they should contact their local Intreo office as soon as possible.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
