MAJOR reforms to Community Employment, Tús and the Rural Social Scheme will extend eligibility criteria for Limerick participants and provide additional flexibility to local supervisors when it comes to recruitment.
That’d according to Limerick Fine Gael Senator Maria Byrne who said that these schemes support a range of local services such as childcare, meals on wheels, the maintenance and upkeep of local amenities as well as other vital work in local communities.
“For the Rural Social Scheme, the six-year time limit will be removed. Eligibility for Tús is now extended to persons in receipt of disability payments. Flexibility for Community Employment schemes will allow for direct recruiting of eligible candidates to fill 30 per cent of places,” she explained.
“The Limerick Intreo centre will also benefit with an increase in the number of referrals to Community Employment. Schemes will be required to offer places to at least 60 per cent of candidates.
“The application process for the ex-gratia payment for CE supervisors and assistant supervisors is now open. The Department of Rural and Community Development will contact supervisors and assistant supervisors who may have an immediate entitlement inviting them to apply for this payment.
“Having seen how these schemes have benefitted communities all over Limerick, I am a strong advocate of programmes like CE, Tús and the Rural Social Scheme. These changes will support these schemes by strengthening the recruitment process and the delivery of essential local services,” Senator Byrne added.
