Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
664. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a dedicated phoneline or email service for community employment workers, community employment projects and community employment sponsors to clarify questions regarding operating under Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22025/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Employment 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.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department has continued to provide funding and support for CE schemes since the onset of the Covid-19 emergency in March 2020. During each period of Level-5 restrictions, CE participants, whose contracts were due to end during these restrictions, have had their contracts extended for the duration of these restrictions. In early March 2021, Minister Humphreys and I announced funding for a further CE contract extension for participants, up until 2nd July 2021.
If a CE sponsoring authority is seeking clarification on funding or general CE queries, they should contact the Department's Community Development Officer in Intreo offices assigned to their CE scheme.
However, if the Deputy is referring to clarification on the provision of essential services throughout the Covid-19 restrictions, then this is a matter for, the Minister for Health. The Health, Preservation and Other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest, Act, which gives the Minister for Health power to make regulations was signed into law on 20th March, 2020. The list of essential services is contained in legal regulations prepared by the Minister for Health and are published on the Government website, Gov.ie.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government continues to issue guidance to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. The latest restrictions are set out in section 31a of the Health Act 1947 which deals with Temporary Restrictions relating to COVID-19 and which will apply until 4th May, 2021.
CE sponsoring authorities can also refer to Pobal’s website where they can access a link that provides information and resources for the Community and Voluntary Sector on operating safely during Covid-19.
CE sponsoring authorities are the legal employers of their supervisors, assistant supervisors and participants. As employers, it is the responsibility of CE sponsoring authorities to ensure adherence to national public health guidelines during the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic when determining the essential services that can continue to be delivered.
Therefore at this time, it is not considered necessary to provide a dedicated Covid-19 phone line or email service for CE sponsoring authorities for this specific purpose. CE sponsoring authorities can continue to have access to the Department's network of Community Development Officers in addition to the existing email contact points already in place. The Department will continue to provide support and information through existing channels.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
