'Anomaly' in incentives for U23s highlighted

A person under the age of 23 years and in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance risks falling foul of putting themselves into a “tax bracket” if they sign up to take part in a Community Employment or Tús back to work scheme.

The “anomaly” was highlighted at the October monthly meeting of Cavan County Council by Independent Ireland's Shane P. O'Reilly who said he had raised the matter with Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys.

“It means they're losing money to take part in these schemes,” explained Cllr O'Reilly of U23s already caught by the issue.

He also said it was “causing major problems” for businesses who wish to sponsor workers.

That Carer's Benefit is considered “reckonable income”. That is another matter Cllr O'Reilly wants to see addressed. His belief was that the support should be exempt as if helped ease the financial burden on the State in other ways.

He said it placed people under the age of 23 and out of work in a difficult position of having to go through a “tick a box” exercise in order not to get cut off.

“It's a win-win for all communities if this can get sorted out,” he said.

Aontú's Sarah O'Reilly backed the motion. She also highlighted the position many school term workers find themselves in - having to sign on for social welfare during the holiday periods. It affected “a lot of people” she said, from SNAs to bus escorts.

Fianna Fáil's Patricia Walsh saw the merit in what both councillors said. She told the meeting it was difficult to get community workers at present due to the volume of paperwork associated, and voiced concern at the drain of potential staff away from sectors such as childcare because of the year-round financial uncertainty. “It's the communities that are suffering.”

There was support too from Independent Brendan Fay who previously raised concerns about what would happen in situations where certain community employment schemes were coming to an end.