Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has welcomed Government approval for a 5% pay increase for community employment workers across various schemes this year. 

More than 1,600 employees of organisations that manage Community Employment (CE), Tús, Rural Social Scheme (RSS) and Job Initiative (JI) are due to benefit from the pay deal.

Deputy Smith said: “I’m delighted that community and voluntary sector workers, who provide vital services, will see a much-deserved increase in their pay packets. While many of these workers weren’t subject to FEMPI reductions, they have not had a pay rise since 2008. It’s an issue Fianna Fáil campaigned on in opposition. In Government we have delivered on our promise to address this.

“Some 1,641 staff, who work as supervisors, assistant supervisors and team leaders in the delivery of the CE, Tús, RSS and JI, are recognised for their important work in communities across the country. Under the agreement, these workers will receive an increase of 3% from 1 April 2023, which will be backdated, and a further 2% from 1 November 2023.

“I am acutely aware that Community Employment Scheme workers provide vital services to communities throughout the country. This modest increase is in addition to a new mechanism for engagement on future pay determination.

“Resolving this issue has been a priority for my party for many years and I am pleased that a resolution has finally been arrived at. It’s vital that the Government now continue to reform the Community Employment Scheme to ensure that it’s an attractive option for participants and staff members.”