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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

CE scheme means test

Summary

Deputy Murnane O'Connor raised a cancer survivor on a community employment scheme who was asked to undergo a means test and feared losing eligibility. The Minister of State said that should not happen and offered to examine the case.

I will ask about community employment, CE, schemes. A lady who is a cancer survivor took a place on a CE scheme because she could not find part-time work. She was on disability allowance before taking up the scheme and her spouse was also on disability allowance. She has now been asked to do a means test. She was very upset the other day and said to me that she would not have taken the position if she had known. If her welfare payment is reduced, she will have to leave the scheme. She is doing well and she loves the scheme. There is a barrier there. What can we do as she is doing so well and enjoys the scheme? This is a real concern for her and I believe there are others like her.

Comment on this
Joe O'Brien Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection Green Party

That should not be the case. We want to incentivise people to get onto CE schemes. We have lots of vacancies and we are particularly interested in those with disabilities because a high rate of people with disabilities are unemployed. We have taken measures under the CE schemes to try to encourage people on disability allowance to take up the scheme. I would be happy to look into the case if the Deputy sends me some details.

Comment on this