Rural group welcomes social employment plan

IRISH Rural Link – the national network of rural community groups – has said the Government’s proposed social employment scheme has the potential to generate real benefits if properly designed.

Irish Rural Link chief executive Seamus Boland said “Minister [Éamon] O Cuív’s proposals... have the potential to benefit rural communities and give those involved a greater chance of long term employment. However it needs to be supported and funded properly. We can learn from the rural social scheme that if it’s to make a difference, funding for materials and project development must be made available.”

Mr Boland continued: “Any social employment scheme participant must be able to access training and support for personal development. We urge the minister to meet with rural community and voluntary groups to see the types of work where social employment scheme participants can make a real difference.”