Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2020
317. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will investigate the possibility of reducing the minimum threshold a person must be in receipt of social welfare in order to gain access to a community employment scheme in the context of the pandemic (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30105/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity Employment (CE) is a positive initiative that enables the long-term unemployed to make a contribution to their communities whilst up-skilling themselves for employment opportunities. The scheme can play an important role in breaking the cycle of long-term unemployment for some people and improve their chances of employment.
In order to qualify for CE, a number of conditions, including being in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for a specific period, must be met. The focus of CE is on the cohort of long-term unemployed people and the programme is monitored on an on-going basis to ensure that the schemes are meeting the training and development needs of the CE participants and also delivering the intended services in the local communities.
The priority for my Department is to ensure that all employment and activation programmes have the best outcomes for participants. 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. CE continues to support those who are furthest removed from the labour market and it is not the Department's intention to amend the CE guidelines or qualifying criteria at this particular time.
As the Deputy will be aware, as part of the July Stimulus Package, the Government announced 3,000 additional places on State Employment Schemes, including the CE Scheme. This will provide opportunities for an increase in existing CE participant numbers and services provided to local communities.
A number of factors will inform the decision on the allocation of the additional places. These factors will include, training and development opportunities on schemes, participant development requirements, existing employment support schemes and regional Live Register data.
I am fully committed to the future of this programme and will continue to support and improve the programme for the benefit of the CE participants and the valuable contribution being made to local communities.
