Over 55s penalised on community schemes
The Department of Employment Affairs & Social Protection is discriminating against older people – by proposing to limit the number of years the over 55’s can participate on a Community Employment Scheme.
That’s according to Galway West TD and Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Regional, Rural, Gaeltacht & Island Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív.
He said that, before a departmental review, people aged over 55 were allowed to remain on these schemes for extended periods – but he claimed this now appeared to be under threat.
“Community Employment Schemes have been extremely popular among older people because many of them find it difficult to find work as there are limited opportunities for over 55s in the commercial sector,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the Department of Employment Affairs & Social Protection has failed to grasp the importance of Community Employment Schemes, particularly in terms of self-worth and confidence.
“The contribution that participants make in their own communities cannot be under-estimated. Despite this, the Minister and her Department officials seem determined to reduce the participation rates for older people,” he added.
Deputy Ó Cuív described Minister Doherty’s refusal to increase the number of places on these schemes as ‘senseless’.
He claimed that the cost of providing a place is only marginally higher than paying the full jobseekers allowance – but, he argued, the dividends for the community projects participating in the schemes was invaluable.
“Under the current proposals people over 55 will only be able to participate on a scheme for three years, with an extension to six years for people on a scheme since 2007,” said the Galway West Deputy.
“The Minister appears to be living under the assumption that all CE participants are likely to secure employment once they have completed the scheme, and she has completely underestimated the importance of the work being carried out in communities by participants on these schemes.
“Rather than slashing the amount of time people can spend on these schemes, she should be ensuring that all people who are long-term unemployed, who cannot find work in the public or private sectors, can participate in ongoing work or training schemes,” he added.