Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 May 2018
256. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an extension of employment for participants in community employment schemes whose sponsors are anxious that they continue can be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19507/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe aim of the Community Employment (CE) programme is to enhance the employability of disadvantaged and unemployed people by providing work experience and training opportunities for them within their communities. The programme helps break the cycle of unemployment and improve a person’s chances of returning to the labour market. A number of new conditions were introduced on CE in July 2017 to further support progression and broaden access to CE to a wider range of people.
In general all CE placements for new entrants aged between 21 and 55 years will be for 1 year – however CE participants, working towards a major award, can seek to extend participation by up to two years to enable then to reach the required standard of qualification. In addition, those over 55 years of age can remain on CE for three years.
An overall lifetime limit of 6 years will apply to all CE participants (changed from 3 years for those under 55 years). A person may re-qualify for CE after 12 months of being in receipt of a qualifying payment, provided they have not reached their 6 year limit. Persons in receipt of a qualifying disability-linked social welfare payment will be eligible for an overall lifetime limit of 7 years.
Participation on CE is intended to be for a temporary fixed-term. These placements are not full-time sustainable jobs. Overall participation limits are in place to ensure that as many unemployed people as possible are able to benefit from the scheme.
My Department’s priority in supporting work programmes is to provide access to good quality work experience and training qualifications to support the progression into employment of jobseekers and other vulnerable groups.
I trust that this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
