Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Robert Troy for raising this very important issue. In the context of the economic recovery, the Department undertook a review of its work programmes in 2016. Arising from the review, the Government agreed to implement changes to the qualifying conditions for community employment in order to broaden access to a wider range of people. These new rules were implemented from July 2017. In general, all placements will now be for one year only. If community employment participants are undertaking training to achieve a major award, their time can be extended for up to two years to allow them to complete the training which will enhance their overall employment prospects. This is a positive development. This also allows for three years continuous participation in a community employment scheme.

Those over 55 years of age can also remain on a community employment scheme for three years.

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A six-year participation limit will apply to community employment, or seven years in the case of a person in receipt of a disability payment. A person may re-qualify for participation on a community employment scheme after 12 months, having been in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment, provided he or she has not reached the six-year overall lifetime limit. Participation on a CE scheme is intended to be for a temporary fixed term. These placements are not full-time sustainable jobs. Participation limits are in place to ensure that as many unemployed people as possible can benefit from the scheme. My Department's priority in supporting work programmes is to provide access to good quality work experience and training qualifications to support the progression into employment of jobseekers and other vulnerable groups. The eligibility criterion for participation on a community employment scheme is kept under ongoing review to ensure the effectiveness of the scheme in targeting long-term unemployed jobseekers and other specific disadvantaged groups.

As for Moate community employment scheme, significant extensions of time were previously granted to each of the five community employment workers who completed their participation in the programme with the sponsoring organisation, Moate Heritage Company, on Friday, 23 March 2018. A total of 29 places are approved under the sponsor's current CE contract. As of 22 March 2018, 27 people were employed on the scheme. In the last two weeks, one new participant commenced on this scheme in an administrative role and another commenced work in a general operative role. The Department's midlands community employment service, CES, team and case officers maintain a strong focus on the urgent recruitment needs of Moate Heritage Company and ensure that the promotion of the benefits of participation in the scheme is highlighted at all meetings with eligible customers of the Department. The midlands CES team is also in regular contact with the sponsoring organisation in order that issues with recruitment can be given immediate attention.

The Minister, Deputy Regina Doherty, has received representations on this issue from the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, Deputies Burke and Penrose and Senator McFadden, all of whom highlighted the needs of the Moate Heritage Company. The Department's midlands CES team and case officers will continue to attend to the urgent recruitment needs of Moate Heritage Company and will maintain regular contact with this sponsor in order to provide assistance with recruitment. I thank the Deputy for raising the matter as it is important that such issues are raised. I hope this clarifies the matter.

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