Written answers

Wednesday, 27 October 2010

Department of Education and Science

Community Employment Schemes

8:00 pm

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 107: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if any community employment scheme participants have been refused an extension for a further year on the basis that they are in receipt of a disability benefit [38623/10]

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 108: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will confirm if any community employment scheme participants in receipt of either disability or one parent payments have requested and been refused an extension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38729/10]

Photo of Seán HaugheySeán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 108 together.

The length of time a person can remain on Community Employment (CE) is dictated by a number of factors, in line with the guidelines for CE: What age the person is How long they have been in receipt of a qualifying Department of Social Protection (DSP) payment Previous participation on CE since 3rd April 2000 Whether they are considered job-ready at the end of each year's CE participation Budgetary limitations/place availability limitations.

The maximum participation limits for CE are three years for those under 55 years of age, and six years for those of 55 to 65 years of age.

Persons in receipt of a qualifying disability-related DSP payment are eligible for one additional year on top of these two limits, i.e., four years for those under 55 and seven years for those of 55 to 65.

Persons in receipt of a qualifying DSP payment for 12 months (on entry to CE) may participate on CE for one year before having to leave CE and re-qualify, subject to the age-related maximum participation caps above. In exceptional circumstances, a percentage of participants may be retained for an additional subsequent year, subject to budget limits and personal training needs.

Persons in receipt of a qualifying DSP payment for three years or more (on entry to CE) may be eligible for up to three years on CE, subject to annual renewal, based on job-readiness assessment and personal training requirements. There is no entitlement to remain for the 3 years if the person is considered job-ready when assessed by the CE supervisor at the end of each annual contract.

FÁS has indicated that CE participants receiving Illness Benefit (previously known as Disability Benefit) and One Parent Family payment have requested and been refused an extension. However, FÁS does not gather statistics on the numbers of CE participants refused extensions, regardless of eligibility category or reason for refusal. The receipt of Illness Benefit or One Parent Family Payment has no bearing on the granting or otherwise of a further year on CE.

Photo of Dinny McGinleyDinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 109: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the changes envisaged for community employment schemes, particularly the role of community employment supervisors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39104/10]

Photo of Seán HaugheySeán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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There are no proposals currently under consideration in regard to making changes to the national operation of Community Employment Scheme.

Within the current very difficult budgetary constraints, the number of places on CE have been increased to 23,300 in 2010. In delivering these places, FÁS will continue to operate flexibly in the management of this allocation in order to maximise progression to the labour market, while at the same time facilitating the support of community services.

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