Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
580. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend the duration of the community employment scheme for workers in a project (details supplied) due to the loss of essential services in the vicinity if scheme participants are forced to finish on the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1294/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Employment (CE) Scheme is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long-term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a temporary, fixed term basis. Participation limits on these schemes are necessary to allow for the maximum utilisation of places amongst qualifying persons. It is important to note that participation is intended to be for a temporary fixed term and the positions offered are not full-time sustainable jobs. Instead, the placements are designed to break the cycle of unemployment and maintain work readiness, thereby improving a person’s opportunities of returning to the open labour market.
Participation on CE is for a maximum of three consecutive years though a person may re-qualify after a 12 month break once they satisfy the qualifying conditions. An overall lifetime limit of six years applies to all CE participants (seven years for those on a disability payment).
My Department is committed to continuing to enhance the effectiveness of the CE Programme and is conscious of the valuable contribution it is making in the provision of services to individuals and communities across Ireland. In light of the current Level 5 restrictions it has been decided that CE participants who are due to leave their schemes in January, February and March can remain on CE until the 26th March, 2021.
If any scheme is experiencing particular difficulties filling CE vacancies, they should contact their local DSP Intreo office who will facilitate the referral process.
