The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland (ASI) currently operates 7 Community Employment (CE) schemes nationally that supports and provides employment opportunities for 133 CE participants. In late June, 2020 the ASI contacted my Department to discuss the possible closure of a number of CE schemes operated by it. The Board of the ASI subsequently took a decision to close 3 of its schemes, namely, Dublin, Sligo and Navan.
I understand that the decision was taken by the Board of the ASI as they did not consider it possible for them to continue operating their day centres while adhering to current COVID 19 practices and restrictions, including the social distancing requirements. The related CE placements were therefore deemed no longer viable at the present time.
While the decision was taken by the Board of the ASI, once the Department became aware of that decision, my officials liaised closely with the ASI and the CE schemes to ensure that there was an agreed and consistent approach undertaken and that that alternative arrangements were made available for those CE participants affected. CE supervisors will carry out exit plans with each CE participant to assist them in finding new roles or employment. Department officials will work with local CE schemes to facilitate suitable placements for the ASI CE participants who wish to transfer to alternative CE placements.
The Department understands that the Board of the ASI may consider reopening a number of these CE schemes at a future date should the current COVID 19 restrictions be eased or if a new operating model for the Day Care centres is developed that can provide work experience and training and development opportunities for CE participants. My Department will work closely with the Board of ASI in re-establishing existing or new CE schemes once opportunities have been identified.
There are 36 CE participants in the Raheny ASI CE Scheme. The Department is advised that the closure date for this CE scheme is the 16th October 2020 and is also advised that ASI has strong intentions of reopening the scheme in 2021 but they need to assess how to manage their operations once they reopen. Department officials are working with the CE scheme to identify suitable local placements to relocate the ASI CE participants that wish to remain on CE.
As part of the July Stimulus Package, my Department announced 3,000 additional places on State Employment Schemes, including Community Employment and Tús. Department Officials will continue to work with CE Sponsoring Authorities and Tús Implementing bodies to make the additional places available to new CE and Tús participants and possibly new CE and Tús schemes over the coming months. My Department officials will continue to be available to meet with community groups who are considering the introduction of new schemes in their locality, subject to the criteria associated with those schemes.
