Written answers

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Department of Social Protection

Community Employment Schemes Eligibility

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

396. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will initiate a review of the eligibility criteria for participation in community employment schemes; and if she will ensure that as part of that review the demographic context in which the scheme operates will be taken into account, as many community groups feel that the CE scheme does not currently meet the needs of rural communities as the population structure is not conducive to meeting the eligibility rules on an on-going basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29487/14]

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

I can confirm that the Community Employment (CE) participant eligibility criteria and other aspects of the programme are kept under on-going review.

CE is only one of a suite of employment programmes that can be undertaken by local sponsoring groups or implementing bodies. Other programmes available include the Rural Social Scheme, Tús, Gateway, the Community Services Programme and JobBridge. The range of employment programmes thus takes a range of variables into account, including the demographics of persons currently unemployed in a variety of circumstances.

CE is a temporary, fixed-term employment and training programme designed to assist long-term unemployed people, and other disadvantaged groups, to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine. It is a medium to short-term activation intervention and was never intended to replace or displace permanent employment in a locality.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.