Government puts Community Workers Jobs in Danger
Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe raised
under Topical Issues in the Dáil the imminent job loss of four community safety workers employed under the Estate Network’s Management Scheme in Tallaght and Clondalkin. The scheme was recently informed by the Department of the Environment that 75% of their funding had been cut with the remainder to end in March.
Deputy Seán Crowe said:
“The context of my appeal today is relation to four people who look likely to lose their jobs and who do vital work in areas which are blighted by high unemployment, drug abuse and a range of other social difficulties.
“Two of the Tallaght based workers affected by this cut in funding have been 20 years in the job, with ten years done on a voluntary basis. This shows their commitment to the community whom they serve and the loss of these jobs while devastating for them personally will have serious implications for the communities who have benefited greatly from the work they do.
“The common denominator behind this decision is that areas that have suffered greatly down through years of deprivation are yet again being targeted.
“The work that is being done by these people is second to none and cannot be replicated. The suggestion that the local authority or Garda might replicate what they do is simply hot air. These schemes implement a wide range of activities that are instrumental in helping address the high levels of anti-social behaviour in Tallaght and Clondalkin and they provide a range of schemes including diversionary programmes for young people and direct engagement with a range of statutory agencies.
They also help implement and work with initiatives like the Dodder Valley Partnership, the RAPID Programme, support Travellers, Drugs Task Force work, anti-racism action, work with anti-social units, housing projects, and help promote social inclusion. Some of them work closely with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, senior citizens, local schools, and have helped develop and promote the local crèche, supports for young mothers, and better estate management.
“These workers are the glue that helps hold communities together. Just this week we had two petrol bomb attacks on homes in Tallaght and a pipe bomb left outside another. These are the type of issues faced by people living in these estates on a daily basis and they must not be abandoned by the Government. The Minister needs to reverse these cuts and find an alternative way of making savings must be found.”
