CE Schemes Vital to Local Communities – Clune

23rd January 2012.

Fine Gael Senator Deirdre Clune today has called on the government to ensure that money will continue to be invested in Community Employment Schemes. The Department of Social Protection is currently in the process of reviewing the Community Employment (CE Schemes).
The Community Employment (CE) programme is designed to help people who are long-term unemployed and may have difficulty accessing a work to get back to work by offering part-time and temporary placements in jobs based within local communities. After the placement, participants are encouraged to seek permanent part-time and full-time jobs elsewhere based on the experience and new skills they have gained while in a Community Employment scheme.
Senator Clune “These schemes are vital in helping those who are un-employed have a sense of purpose and to gives them a sense of dignity by helping those in their own community”.
In Cork city and county there are over 102 schemes with a total of 2052 people taking part. “The Minister has given a commitment that no CE schemes will be forced to close due to funding cutbacks She also highlighted their importance “these schemes play an important role in our communities, in particular by providing services which have an intrinsic social value like helping the disabled to live independently or delivering meals –on –wheels and other services to our older citizens”.
“I welcome the news that CE schemes will not be forced to close due to fiscal restraint however, we must ensure the government continues to see and maintain the importance of these schemes” said Senator Clune.

ENDS.

Senator Deirdre Clune can be contacted on 087-2387539