Census ‘jobs’ could affect welfare benefits

ENUMERATORS, currently being recruited, are set to earn an average of €2,400 for working the ten-week period before and after the census, but it could affect those receiving social welfare benefits.

The census will be taken on Sunday, April 24.

One hundred and forty-four enumerators will be recruited in Mayo. Nationally, the recruitment process opened on Tuesday of last week (January 5). Applications were taken online between January 5 and 8.

Potential financial implications for those in short-time working who successfully apply for a position as enumerators have been highlighted by Castlebar-based Michael Kilcoyne, deputy chairman of the Consumers Association of Ireland.

'If you are long-term unemployed you lose your fuel allowance,' Mr. Kilcoyne warned.

He added: 'Parents of children attending university may also lose out on the third level grant.'

All applicants for the enumerator roles will be interviewed face to face before final selections - a total of 4,700 nationwide - are made.

Meanwhile, it appears that over 70s, even if they are fit and active, are not being considered as members of census staff.

The Central Statistics Office has blamed legislation that bars public servants from working  beyond the age of 70 for the situation. Needless to say, charity group Age Action Ireland is not impressed.