Dole claimants to work in community

DOLE claimants would have to work in the community in order to receive benefits under a Government initiative.

Social Protection Minister Éamon O Cuív said the aim of the initiative was to help unemployed people maintain their skills, but the scheme may also flush out benefit cheats already working in the black economy.

Up to 10,000 people are expected to take part in the initiative when it is launched next month, with 40,000 places being filled within two years.