Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
1089. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address a matter regarding extensions to community employment schemes (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8659/20]
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 participants within their communities. The programme helps break the cycle of unemployment and improve a person’s chances of returning to the labour market.
Participation on CE is intended to be for a temporary fixed-term. I introduced a number of changes to CE in 2017 to broaden access to the CE scheme to a greater number of people on the Live Register and, to standardise the conditions around the length of time a person can remain on a scheme.
During the current Covid-19 emergency, my Department has continued to provide the necessary funding for CE schemes while also introducing a number of contingency measures, including the extension of existing CE participant contracts for the duration of the emergency.
The Department intends to recommence recruitment to the CE Schemes in keeping with the Government's Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. Department officials will work with CE sponsoring authorities and existing CE participants to ensure a smooth transition to normal operations over the coming period.
