Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 September 2022
373. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) who is currently on a community employment scheme and who has been invaluable in their position can have their employment extended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45661/22]
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. CE placements are intended to be temporary and subject to time limits. This is to ensure the continued availability of places on CE schemes for long-term unemployed candidates. Those who are unemployed and in receipt of an eligible payment for 12 months or more may be eligible to participate on CE.
In light of the Covid related challenges faced by CE schemes the Minister, Deputy Humphreys and I announced a number of reforms to CE since the start of 2022. As part of these reforms and to assist schemes with the transition from Covid emergency supports, participants including those with extended contracts, may not be required to leave CE, where a suitable replacement has not yet been referred to the scheme. This is a transitionary provision for supporting schemes to retain services, with the higher-than-normal turnover of participants in 2022. Extensions under this provision must be approved by officials from the Department and consideration will be given to the impact of COVID on the recruitment of participants, the type of service provided by the placement along with recruitment and referral efforts. This does provide schemes with additional flexibility to retain participants, where required to maintain services in communities. The current extension period is six months.
The person concerned was due to complete his eligible time on the Community Employment project on 9/9/2022. We can now confirm that he has been extended under current criteria for a maximum period of six months. The new exit date is 10 March 2023. The sponsor has been informed accordingly.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
