The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, has today announced a series of improvements to Community Employment (CE) Schemes.
As part of the package secured by the local TD, €1,000 will be granted to CE sponsor organisations to help them deal with rising costs. Adult dependants of CE participants in receipt of a Jobseeker's Payment will also qualify in their own right for the first time, eligibility for CE Schemes will be reduced from 12 months on the live register to 9 months for Ukrainian nationals who have fled the war.
Announcing the changes to Northern Sound today, Minister Humphreys said, "Like any organisation, CE bodies have been impacted by increased inflation. I’m therefore pleased to announce the payment of a grant of €1,000 to support CE bodies to assist them with their bills.
“I am aware that some local schemes have been experiencing difficulties in filling vacancies which in turn can have an impact on the delivery of important local services. Therefore, we are extending the criteria of those who can participate on CE Schemes to adult dependents on jobseeker payments for the first time.
“And finally, in support of Ukrainian nationals living here, we are pleased to reduce the period of time that someone is required to have spent on the Live Register from 12 months to 9 months.
“This substantial package is on top of the range of measures that we have introduced to support CE participants and indeed CE organisations themselves over recent budgets.”
