Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 March 2018
36. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which young unemployed persons have been able to join the Defence Forces; if a specific programme exists in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10731/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces accept applications from all individuals who meet the requisite criteria for the various competitions that are advertised. There is no specific advertising or recruitment aimed at those who are unemployed. The Defence Forces require men and women from all backgrounds that possess a strong sense of duty, enjoy working as part of a team, and are looking for a rewarding yet challenging career.
The White Paper on Defence committed the Government to putting in place a new employment support scheme with the direct involvement of the Defence Forces. The objective of this scheme, which involves a 10 week training programme, is to help to develop a path to economic independence for participants, aged between 18 and 24 years, who are at a serious disadvantage owing to their current socio-economic situation. The scheme is designed with the specific aim of equipping participants with life and other marketable and certifiable skills which will assist them both in their capacity to participate fully in society as well as their ability to enter the workforce and or to pursue further education for this purpose.
Participants retain any Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection benefits that they are currently entitled to for the duration of the Scheme. Participation on the scheme is wholly voluntary for the relevant cohort of jobseekers and there is no penalty applied for non-participation or engagement in the programme. Participants do not receive any payment from the Department of Defence.
Two iterations of the training programme, in Limerick and in Meath, were conducted in 2017. The next iteration of the programme is scheduled to commence in Cork in June this year. An interim review of the roll out of the scheme is also scheduled to commence later this year.
