asked the Minister for Labour whether there are any proposals within his Department to have the age limit requirement for the social employment scheme reduced.
Written Answers. - Social Employment Scheme.
154.
The social employment scheme was introduced by the Government with the specific objective of helping the large numbers of productive and energetic persons over 25 who have been unemployed for an extended period to make a contribution to cultural and social development by placing them in employment on community based projects.
While there is provision within the conditions for the employment of a limited number of under 25s in particular circumstances, opening up of the scheme generally to under 25s would not be consistent with the scheme's basic objectives. The SES is the only employment scheme which is targeted at persons who are long-term unemployed and over 25 years of age. The under 25 age group are catered for by a range of other measures including those operated by the National Manpower Service, AnCO, the Youth Employment Agency and CERT.
I should point out that the question of age limits and employment schemes is being looked at in the context of the Government decisions contained in the White Paper on Manpower Policy.