Frank O’Rourke TD has said that Fianna Fail is to introduce a Bill to prevent Jobpath from denying participants from taking up a place on a Community Employment (CE) Scheme, the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) or the Tús Scheme.
“In recent years, I met with both the former Minister for Social Protection, Leo Varadkar TD, and the current Minister for Employment and Social Protection Regina Doherty TD, and made strong representations to them, to have the CE and Tus Schemes made more flexible.”
“In effect, many people feel that they are being unfairly coerced into Jobpath and would prefer to take up a place on a CE, RSS or Tús scheme. In many instances, this would be more appropriate and suitable to the needs of both the community and the individual concerned. I also want to ensure that we facilitate older people on the scheme.”
“People involved in Tus schemes in Clane, Donadea, Leixlip and Celbridge have met me to discuss the problem associated with the way the scheme was being administered and have requested that we change the rigid framework that is in place. The aim of the legislation, which Fianna Fail is introducing, is to give a legal entitlement to a person taking part in the JobPath activation programme to opt out of said programme in order to take part in a Community Employment Scheme, a Tús Scheme or a Rural Social Scheme, in circumstances where a place on any of these schemes becomes available. Fianna Fáil supports these schemes and recognise the tremendous benefit that they bring not only to participants but to the community at large,” concluded Deputy O’Rourke.