Jobless not sweeping streets for extra €20, says Taoiseach

The Taoiseach has denied unemployed people are being “forced” to participate in a scheme that requires them to sweep the streets or cut grass for an extra €20 a week or face losing their dole.

Enda Kenny said the Gateway scheme, which has come under strong criticism in the Dáil, creates “so many opportunities” to get people out of the “rut” of joblessness.

Social Protection Minister Joan Burton also defended the work placement scheme for local authorities, which she said “promotes a sense of wellbeing”, and that participants “really enjoy contributing to their local community”.