Vol. 510 No. 2
33 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the cutbacks in the number of places under the community employment scheme and the other changes in qualification announced by her on 23 July 1999 have been withdrawn; the proposals for the future of the scheme; the number of places which will be available in 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21995/99]
The Government decision to reduce the number of community employment places by 4,500 over a five year period and transfer the resources for 5,000 places to a dedicated social economy programme remains unchanged. Having taken on board the concerns expressed by organisations and individuals regarding the restructuring of the CE programme and to be as equitable and flexible as possible for participants and sponsors my Department has agreed the following implementation guidelines with FÁS:
The eligibility age for participation in CE to be raised from 21 years to 25 years with effect from 29 October 1999. The following exemptions will apply for persons under 25 years of age: travellers, ex-offenders, refugees, people with disabilities, people referred under drugs task force, offshore island inhabitants, 18-24 year olds, referred through the Employment Action Plan who are 18 months or more unemployed.
Duration of participant breaks between schemes to be increased from six to 12 months with effect from April 2000. Offshore island residents will be exempt from this change. Future participation in CE by an individual will be capped at three years with effect from 29 October 1999. An individual's previous participation on the programme will not be taken into account. Offshore island residents will be exempt from this change.
Eligibility to participate in CE has been extended to qualified adults and widow's-widower's with effect from 15 September 1999.
