Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2012
347. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2 can have their community employment scheme extended for another year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49523/12]
View answerThe maximum term for participants in the community employment scheme has been set by my Department at three years for those under 55 years of age. As the person concerned has completed three years on the scheme and is under 55 years of age, he has reached the maximum duration entitlement. It is not possible in the current economic climate to grant a further extension.
During his term on the scheme the person concerned has undertaken training. This was funded by the scheme without incurring any costs to the person concerned. This training is carried out on an independent and external basis, and as such his continuance on training is not dependent on his continuance on the scheme. Indeed it is common practice that participants who may be midway through external training programmes on their finish date for the scheme would be expected to continue with them as part of their commitment to their overall progression.
If the person concerned wishes to engage in additional training opportunities and requires guidance, he should meet with an Employment Services Officer who can explore the options open to him.
