City Sinn Fein councillors hit out at Gateway employment scheme

Galway Bay fm newsroom – The Sinn Fein contingent of Galway City Council has hit out at the local authority's use of the Gateway Scheme, describing it as ‘exploitative' and ‘regressive.' Speaking at this week's meeting of the council, Councillor Mairead Farrell said the scheme, which offers the long-term unemployed a job for €50 on top of their current social welfare payment, does not enhance employability. Her party colleague Councillor Anna Marley described the scheme as ‘abhorrent and punitive'. Chief Executive Brendan McGrath explained that he has a quota of 55 posts to fill using the scheme. However, he says it provides an opportunity for unemployed people to gain work experience and learn the skills they need to re-enter the workforce. Councillor Farrell says the state should be creating jobs, and not using what she describes as ‘slave labour.'