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Community Employment Schemes Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2019

Tuesday, 22 January 2019

Ceisteanna (615)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

615. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) will be awarded an extension of time on a SOLAS scheme due to age. [2310/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The person in question is currently a participant on a Community Employment (CE) scheme in County Galway.

An overall lifetime limit of six years from 1 January, 2007 applies to CE participants.  The person in question was in receipt of Farm Assist prior to commencing his current period on CE in 2013 and he will have completed his life-time participation limit of six years on 19 April, 2019. In addition, he had been on CE for an additional 4 years and 10 months prior to 2007.

On completion of his term on CE, the person in question can apply for Jobseekers Benefit.  He will then be assisted through the activation process to work towards securing employment and achieving financial self-sufficiency.  This process also helps identify potential employment opportunities and offers support in overcoming any barriers to employment.

Alternatively he can apply for Jobseekers Allowance or Farm/Fish Assist.  If deemed eligible, it will then be open to him to apply for a place on the Rural Social Scheme (RSS).  To qualify for participation on the RSS, an individual must be actively farming, have a valid herd number/fishing licence and be in receipt of one of a number of specified social welfare payments including Jobseekers Allowance and Farm/Fish Assist.

My Department also understands that the person in question has also been self employed and engaged in farming.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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