In general, the maximum participation limit for community employment is one year with the opportunity to extend for a further year if this is considered the most suitable and cost effective measure to assist the client in gaining employment. A person may be eligible for different periods of engagement and extensions on CE due to their age or if they are in receipt of a qualifying disability-related payment from my Department or have previously been engaged on a scheme. Currently, 23,300 work placements are available on CE nationally.
The overall limits on duration spent on CE are strictly enforced to maximise the number of places available for potential clients and to ensure progression. I have no plans to extend the duration on CE.