Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 September 2022
372. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that a person (details supplied) has had their community employment scheme participation terminated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45643/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe aim of the Community Employment (CE) programme is to enhance the employability of disadvantaged and long-term unemployed people by providing work experience and training opportunities for them within their local communities. The programme aims to improve a person’s opportunities to return to the labour market. Participation on CE is on a voluntary basis, and participants are free to resign their positions should they wish to do so.
The person concerned voluntarily resigned his CE position and finished on the 22 July 2022. He has since applied for a Department of Social Protection (DSP) payment. If he wishes to return to his Community Employment position he would need to withdraw that application and contact the Supervisor of the Community Employment scheme regarding same. There are currently vacancies on this scheme and there is no difficulty facilitating a return to CE in this case, once any application for a DSP payment has been withdrawn.
In the meantime officials from the Department will continue to assist the scheme in their efforts to fill their vacancies. 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 in particular given the valuable contribution being made to local communities through the provision of services.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
