Press release
Government welcomes decision by CE Supervisors to vote in favour of proposals to resolve long running issue
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
The government has today welcomed the decision by Community Employment (CE) supervisors and assistant supervisors to vote in favour of proposals to resolve a long running issue arising from a Labour Court recommendation on pension provision.
The settlement, agreed with unions SIPTU and Fórsa, will benefit over 2,200 people employed by CE schemes going back to 2008.
It has a total cost of over €24 million.
Under the terms of this settlement, on reaching retirement age, CE supervisors and assistant supervisors will receive a once off ex-gratia payment in respect of time employed by CE schemes since 2008.
People who retired since 2008 will be able to apply for payments immediately when the scheme is in place next year.
These payments will be administered by the Department of Social Protection.
The decision to vote in favour of the agreement was welcomed by Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD and Minister of State, Joe O’Brien TD.
In welcoming the agreement Minister Humphreys said:
“CE Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors play a vital role in communities across the country. I am very pleased that we have reached a resolution today on what has been a long running issue.
“As Minister for both Social Protection and Rural and Community Development, I am absolutely committed to the Community Employment model and I know first-hand the great work carried out by local CE schemes across the country.
“Resolving this issue has been a priority for me since my appointment and there has been extensive engagement with Minister McGrath and his officials so we can get to this point.
“My department will now work to put in place the administrative arrangements to implement the agreed settlement so that payments will issue to qualified CE workers in 2022.
“Earlier this week I announced a range of long-awaited reforms to CE which I know have been welcomed by local schemes. Reaching this agreement today on an issue which dates back to 2008 further demonstrates my absolute commitment to supporting CE schemes and the important services they provide to local communities and to long term unemployed people throughout the country.”
Minister McGrath stated:
“I am pleased that a resolution to this long-standing issue has finally been arrived at.
“I am acutely aware that Community Employment Scheme Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors provide vital services to communities throughout the country.
“They help people in long term unemployment on a pathway back to full employment, and also support the day to day activities of a range of sporting, community and voluntary organisations.
“I would like to acknowledge the positive engagement from the Trade Union representatives in recent months, and I am pleased that both government departments have been able to work closely together in helping to bring this matter to a successful conclusion. We look forward to now, moving to the implementation phase.”
Minister O’Brien continued:
“I welcome agreement by unions on proposals that will benefit over 2,200 CE workers throughout the country.
“This agreement represents a fair and balanced settlement to this complex issue. I am aware of the time and effort that has gone into getting to the good position we are at today, by all involved in the process.
“The Department of Social Protection will now prioritise work on implementing this settlement over the coming months."