Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Community Employment Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 April 2021

Thursday, 22 April 2021

Ceisteanna (97)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

97. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection if support will be provided to a community centre (details supplied) that wants to retain its maintenance worker under a shortly expiring community employment scheme. [20942/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The aim of the Community Employment (CE) programme is to enhance the employability of disadvantaged and unemployed people by providing valuable work experience and training opportunities for them within their communities.  They are actively encouraged to avail of training to enhance their employability in the labour market.  The programme helps break the cycle of unemployment and improves a person’s chances of returning to the labour market.  Participation on Community Employment is intended to be for a temporary fixed-term period. 

The participant is due to finish on Community Employment on Friday July 2nd 2021 as per current Government guidelines.  However, given the large numbers due to exit CE as a result of the contract extensions that have been in place during Level 5 restrictions, his finish date will be adjusted in line with plans to allow for the phased exit of participants depending on where he falls on the exit phase.  He will exit the scheme with the benefit of over 3 years work experience and Industry-recognised Qualifications in Manual Handling, Covid Awareness, First Aid, HACCP/Food Safety and Safepass. This is the maximum participation time available to the participant at the moment.

On finishing CE, participants will be referred to our JobPath service who will work with them to ensure that the benefits of the experience and training they received during their time on CE are maximised. 

The Department can also provide incentives to employers, such as through the JobsPlus scheme which provides monthly payments to employers to offset wage costs where they employ eligible jobseekers.  Time spent on Community Employment is counted towards a client's eligibility for JobsPlus which will enhance his opportunity of employment.

Community Employment is a very valuable resource and every effort is made to ensure opportunities for work experience and training are given to all unemployed persons in each area.

Barr
Roinn