Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

207. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if Tús or community employment personnel will be made available to a group (details supplied) in view of the fact that changes have been enacted which will see an increase in the number of participants in such schemes. [22941/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Community Employment (CE) programme and Tús are community centred labour market initiatives established for the purposes of social inclusion and activation, to help long-term unemployed people and other vulnerable groups to enter the workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a short term return-to-work routine. The programmes also assist people to enhance and develop both their technical and personal skills, which can then be used in the workplace.

The Tús initiative is delivered through the network of local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta in Gaeltacht areas which operate as the Implementing Bodies (IBs) for the programme. The CE programme is sponsored by voluntary organisations and public bodies involved in not-for-profit activities for the benefit of the local community. Requests for the placement of Tús participants are made to the relevant local IB and for CE participants, applications are made to CE sponsoring organisations.

Eligible work placements under both Tús and CE are those which:

- Respond to an identified community need;

- Provide development for participants in areas involving heritage, arts, culture, tourism, sport and the environment;

- Have the agreement of relevant trade unions;

- Do not displace or replace existing jobs;

- Offer valuable work experience for participants.

Placements which are not eligible are those which:

- Are politically or commercially orientated;

- Involve a significant trading element;

- Enhance private property;

- Result in private gain.

Placement of Tús and/or CE participants to work in these clubs is not permitted as:-

- Private member sports clubs are not part of the not-for profit community and voluntary sector.

- Work placements in these clubs would not meet the eligibility criteria as outlined above.

The Department keeps all aspects of its activation programmes under review to ensure the best outcomes for participants and communities.