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.

Those who refuse to take part in community work, such as childcare, school services and helping older people, could have their dole payments stopped.

People involved would receive €210 per week for 19.5 hours of work and would not be means-tested, so they would also be able to work part-time outside of the scheme.

The scheme is expected to pay for itself because it is anticipated that it will have an impact on welfare fraud as people with black economy jobs will cease claiming benefits because of the initiative.

The move expands the Community Services Programme and the Rural Social Scheme, which are now transferring to the Social Protection Department.

Mr O Cuív said the prime aim of the initiative was reducing unemployment.

“Maintaining people’s employability through regular work activity will be important for getting people back into the competitive economy.

“There are many needs in communities in terms of provision of after-school services, childcare, services for older people and environmental projects that we could continue to address through these schemes,” he said.