Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2015
181. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on extending the eligibility of community employment schemes to persons over 60 years of age who have been unemployed for up to three years and who are not entitled to a social welfare payment, but are signing for credits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6691/15]
View answerThe core eligibility criterion for CE is that the person is in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment, as defined on the Department's website. This requirement is based on Government policy and Departmental guidelines and has been the rule since CE commenced in 1994.
At present, persons signing for credits or otherwise ineligible for a social welfare payment, do not meet the current eligibility requirements for participation on the CE Scheme. They may, however, be eligible for participation on other programmes, although they may not qualify for payment of an allowance e.g. SOLAS training courses.
Such persons are advised to contact their local Intreo office where an Employment Services Officer will be happy to discuss the employment and training options that are open to them.
Within the current budgetary constraints, the number of places on CE has been maintained at 25,300. In delivering these places, the Department will continue to manage this allocation in order to maximise progression to the labour market, while at the same time, facilitating the support of community services.
