Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 March 2018
246. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the process for a person or body to set up or become a manager of a community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10533/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity Employment (CE) projects are typically sponsored by groups wishing to benefit the local community, namely voluntary and community organisations and, to a lesser extent, public bodies involved in not-for-profit activities. Such projects provide a valuable service to local communities and may also provide training and educational opportunities to jobseekers. The Department’s priority in supporting CE is having access to schemes that can provide jobseekers and other vulnerable groups with good quality work experience and training qualifications to support their progression into employment.
With regard to new projects, an initial contact is received from a potential new sponsor who is given a copy of the Community Employment (CE) Procedures Manual and invited to attend a formal briefing given by a Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) Officer. The formal briefing will cover the following:
- Presentation on key responsibilities of the Sponsor (Employer)
- Explanation of Application Process and Procedures
- Questions and Answers
The DEASP Officer will assess whether the proposed project complies in outline form with the criteria for CE. The officer will also assess the suitability/compatibility of the proposed sponsor to manage the project (based on the background of the individuals involved, their bona fides, history and former achievements). Where the DEASP Officer is satisfied that all the requirements are met, he/she will give the potential sponsor the “Community Employment Sponsor Application Pack”.
All completed applications from new sponsors are appraised and approved by the relevant DEASP Division and submitted to the DEASP Employment Programmes Policy Unit for review. This is to ensure that the proposed application is in line with the current direction of CE and that a budget allocation is available.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
