Government must move to support CE Schemes – Lawless

Kildare North TD James Lawless has submitted a motion in the Dáil today to strengthen Community Employment Schemes.

The motion aims to ensure the social element of CE Schemes is delivered on, review the impact Jobpath is having on CE Schemes, allow more employees to stay on the their scheme and to review the participation limits of older people on the scheme.

Deputy Lawless said, “I have met with a number of constituents employed under the Community Employment Scheme. Many of these people outlined difficulties they encountered while on the scheme. Despite these difficulties their participation in the scheme gave them an enormous source of pride and a tremendous benefit to their community.

“Following this I worked with my Fianna Fáil colleagues to draft a motion aimed at addressing these concerns. Historically employment schemes have evolved as the economic climate changes. While we aim to see as many people in full time employment there is still a vital need for CE Schemes. This motion aims to solidify this ambition.

“I have called on the Minister for Social Protection to immediately review the impact that JobPath is having on CE schemes in particular, with a view to ensuring that those who wish to continue to participate on CE schemes are able to do so, and to also ensure that JobPath is not draining CE schemes of participants.

“I have also called on the Minister to ensure that the review of participation limits for older people on employment support schemes is cognisant of the complexities that older people face in trying to access or re-enter the labour market, and that employment support schemes can be the mechanism whereby older people can continue to make a contribution to society.

“Often CE Schemes are run by volunteers who do an excellent job with very little resources. We are calling on the Minister to ensure employment support schemes are adequately resourced, including training and continuous professional development.

“The motion stems from feedback I received from those involved with CE Schemes. I urge the Minister to take on board the spirit of the motion to ensure local communities can continue to benefit from CE schemes in the years to come.”