Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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54. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the progress of the Gateway scheme across the country; the number of participants currently on the scheme in each local authority area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5189/15]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Funding of the order of €22.4m is being provided in the Department’s Vote in 2015 to cover the cost of work placements under the Gateway scheme. At the end of January, 1,781 persons were employed by county and city councils of which 85% were male (1,513) and 15% are female.

The majority of positions identified by councils as being suitable for Gateway placements relate to services of an environment or outdoor nature. Work in the main relates to the upkeep and repair to council facilities, including roads, parks, beaches, housing units, sporting and general community facilities. Litter and waste management also feature as important tasks undertaken. Work is also undertaken to support tourism and heritage sites and in the development and upkeep of walks and leisure trails. In addition, councils have engaged Gateway participants in supporting council administration, library, event management and visitor services.

The objective of Gateway is to maintain work readiness and keep jobseekers close to the labour market and in this regard, county and city councils offer excellent work opportunities. A table sets out the distribution of employment for each county and city council at the end of January 2015.

GATEWAY: Employment by Council – week ending 30 January 2015