Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

52. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider introducing clearer guidelines for the accessibility of the voluntary work option to ensure that jobseekers can make a valuable contribution to society while still being eligible for a jobseeker's payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43407/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am deeply conscious of the long tradition of volunteering in this country and the contribution that it makes to Ireland’s social fabric. In recognition of the vital role played by the voluntary community, the Department operates a Voluntary Work Option scheme for customers on the jobseeker schemes. Under these arrangements jobseekers may engage in voluntary work within the State without affecting their entitlements provided they continue to satisfy the statutory conditions of being available for and genuinely seeking work. The aims of the Voluntary Work Option are twofold, namely: (i) To encourage voluntary organisations to involve jobseekers to the greatest extent possible in their activities by creating new opportunities for voluntary work; and (ii) To inform jobseekers of their freedom to involve themselves in voluntary work and to encourage them to do so.

Examples of voluntary work in which jobseekers may engage include helping the sick, elderly or persons with a disability or assisting youth clubs, church groups, sports groups, cultural organisations and local resident associations. Voluntary groups may be locally or nationally organised and may include community groups.

Details of the Voluntary Work Option arrangements are published on the Department’s website and, in order to ensure that the profile is raised, all staff involved in the administration of the jobseeker schemes were recently reminded of these arrangements and of the operational procedures under which they operate.