KENNY WELCOMES ADDITIONAL 2,000 PLACES ON EXTENDED CE SCHEME PROGRAMME

Posted on January 18, 2013 1:03 PM   |   Permanent Link   

Dublin Bay North Labour T.D., Seán Kenny, has welcomed the allocation of 2,000 additional places on the Community Employment programme.

"This will bring the total number of Community Employment places this year to 25,300 as part of the Government's wider efforts to help jobseekers to become employment-ready and find a job, training or educational opportunity.

"Community Employment plays a vital role for both jobseekers and their communities. It provides work experience, including appropriate training for
jobseekers which helps them to take up work on the open labour market by developing their skills, experience and confidence. It is also of immense benefit to the local communities.

"In Budget 2013, Minister Burton secured an extra €11 million in funding for 10,000 additional activation places this year, including 2,000 additional Community Employment places. The details today specify how these Community Employment places will be allocated following intensive work by Minister Burton. Her Department will spend more than €1 billion on activation programmes and other supports this year to help jobseekers acquire the work experience, skills and qualifications they need to return to full-time employment.

"The additional places will target specifically the growing number of long-term unemployed as well as other welfare claimants who are over a year in receipt of payments. They will be allocated on a phased basis. It is proposed that allocations will be made using several different factors including schemes and organisations who are involved in the delivery of community childcare services, and social and healthcare services for people with a disability. Applicants who are involved in Drug Rehabilitation Services and who consider participation on CE to be a further step in this process will also be allocated places. Schemes and organisations who have a track record in the development and progression of participants into employment will be prioritised.

"Existing CE schemes can apply for additional places in the normal way by applying to their local Department of Social Protection office. This can be done at roll-over of the scheme. Schemes that are in mid-term can also make a submission to their local office. Schemes can contact their local Social Protection office for further detail."