Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

38. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who have had a penalty applied to their social protection payment for refusing to take part in the Gateway scheme, by county. [8211/16]

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

39. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of participants who have left the Gateway scheme early, citing dissatisfaction with the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8212/16]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 39 together.

As the Deputy is aware, Gateway is a County and City Council work scheme which aims to provide short-term quality and suitable work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than 24 months. Participants benefit by being involved in work. They improve their work readiness and are able to apply their existing skills and learn new ones. The scheme is also intended to assist the personal and social development of participants with the objective of bridging the gap between unemployment and re-entering the workforce.

As of 22nd April 2016, the number of participants who commenced on Gateway, since it was introduced in December 2013, is 2,845. To date, a total of 424 persons have left the Gateway scheme prior to completing their 22 month contract. This is due to a number of reasons, including taking-up employment, emigration and participation on the scheme not being financially viable. Detailed statistics on those who left specifically citing dissatisfaction with the scheme are not available. While penalty rates do not apply as a sanction under the Gateway scheme, a total of 48 people have, to date, had other sanctions applied for refusing to take part in Gateway.