Community Employment Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 March 2012

Thursday, 29 March 2012

Questions (131)

Willie Penrose

Question:

133 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the alternative scheme being devised, to accommodate persons who are on community employment schemes at present and which are shortly coming to a conclusion, are in receipt of disability allowance and if she will further indicate the type of scheme that is going to be devised to facilitate these persons whose terms on community employment schemes are now about to end in the next few months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17449/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

There are no plans for devising an alternative scheme for disability clients who have completed their maximum time on Community Employment (CE). Persons in receipt of any of the four CE-qualifying disability payments (disability allowance, illness benefit, invalidity pension or blind pension) can currently avail of one additional year on CE compared to other qualifying clients, i.e. the cumulative lifetime participation limits are normally 3 years on the programme for those under 55 years of age and 6 years for those between 55 and 65 years of age. The named disability categories above have 4 year and 7 year limits respectively.

Persons who are near the end of their CE participation period avail of an exit planning process with their Supervisor whereby all their progression options are identified and supports and information are provided.