Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020
1001. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the return to work rules for community employment scheme workers; if the lack of childcare for workers can prevent them returning; her views on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11038/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring the current Covid-19 emergency, my Department 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.
Recruitment of new CE participants ceased temporarily during the emergency period while CE many schemes continued to operate. Now that the country has begun the process of restoring normal operations and in keeping with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, the recruitment of new CE participants by the CE sponsoring authorities has recommenced and the first group of new CE participants will be in place from Monday, 6th July, 2020.
Officials in my Department have continued to communicate with CE sponsoring authorities and Tús implementing bodies on the importance of adhering to the up-to-date information, guidelines and legislation relating to Covid-19 as provided by Government Departments. They have also been asked to ensure that all employees are kept abreast of the national advice provided and to familiarise themselves with the Return to Work Safety Protocol and the Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.
The Department of Children & Youth Affairs (DCYA) is co-ordinating the return to work for the childcare sector and has announced a funding package for reopening Early Learning and Childcare Services which will assist childcare employees, in returning to work. My Department Officials are in communication with their counterparts in DCYA in relation to CE and Tús scheme participants operating in the childcare sector and the availability of new recruits to replace those participants who will leave over the coming period.
Department officials will continue to work with CE sponsoring authorities and Tús implementing bodies to ensure a smooth transition to normal business operations.
