Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

96. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if community employment schemes could interview the persons who are applying for the schemes involved with the caring of persons to ensure they have the suitable qualities for this type of role. [2931/15]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The current practice on Community Employment (CE) is that participants interested in taking up a health and social care place, or other place on CE, are assessed by the scheme regarding their suitability for the post, following a referral from their local DSP/Intreo Office. As the employer, CE Sponsors select from a candidate list provided to them by DSP Employment Services and the Local Employment Service. Guidelines and Procedures for Interview Panels are detailed in Appendix 2 of the Community Employment Procedures Manual.

The total number of dedicated places to support health and social care services is 2,573 places (December, 2014). The key objective of CE is to provide valuable work experience and training to job-seekers while at the same time providing the necessary supports to services, so it is important that participants with suitable qualities are selected by the sponsor. The Department intends to begin rolling out a new CE Health and Social Care Programme during 2015. This programme will ensure participants have adequate access to qualifications in the health and social sector in order to take up employment opportunities in this area and to support local service delivery.

Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

97. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if community employment supervisors could sit on the interview panel and meet the persons prior to their engagement in CE schemes. [2932/15]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The current practice on Community Employment (CE) is that participants interested in taking up a CE place are assessed by the CE Scheme regarding their suitability for the post, following a referral from their local DSP/Intreo Office. As the employer, CE Sponsors select from a candidate list provided to them by DSP Employment Services and the Local Employment Service. An interview panel must interview all eligible candidates and the panel of interviewers should consist of at least 3 people, one of which can be the CE Supervisor.

At the end of this interview an indication should be sought as to the applicant's level of interest in accepting a place on the project, if offered. Selected applicants are then formally offered a place in writing, subject to their eligibility being confirmed. All unsuccessful candidates interviewed are notified of the outcome immediately after the successful candidate has confirmed acceptance of the job offer. DSP Employment Services are then provided, by the Sponsor, with details of those who attended for interview, those who failed to attend and those offered a position. Guidelines and Procedures for Interview Panels are detailed in Appendix 2 of the Community Employment Procedures Manual.