Two local Fianna Fáil Councillors have expressed grave concerns pertaining to the decision take by the Department of Employment and Social Protection to implement a more strict regime when determining the employment conditions of CE participants.
Both Cllr. Frankie Keena and Cllr. Liam McDaniel voiced their views with the announcement which, they believe, will detrimentally impact upon local community and sporting organisations.
“As a result of this action many participants on local CE schemes in Westmeath are having their contracts of employment prematurely ended.
“The scheme employees provide a vital service to local voluntary community organisations including Tidy Towns, GAA clubs, and Residents Associations, to mention but a few.
“Any loss of the services provided by the current CE participants would be a devastating blow to these groups,” Cllr. McDaniel asserted.
Meanwhile, Cllr. Keena stated that the majority of CE participants receive only €1 per hour more than they would receive availing of Jobseekers Benefit.
“The work and service they provide to local communities for so little extra is immense and should be valued more by the DEASP officials in Westmeath. The majority of participants benefit so much from their involvement in CE schemes through interacting with colleagues, upskilling and training, and enhancing their personal well being,” Cllr. Keena stressed.
Both public representatives have asked the local DEASP office to take a less stringent approach when implementing employment criteria for CE schemes, reminding them that, during the current COVID-19 public health pandemic, it is so important to maintain continuity of employment for all participants, and to ensure retention of the wonderful service they provide to the local communities.
Both Councillors have also asked Minister of State, Deputy Robert Troy, to raise this issue with DEASP Minister Heather Humphries requesting that this matter is addressed urgently.
