Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2015
51. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if her Department has saved any money by not renewing community employment schemes for those persons over 60 years of age. [29365/15]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that there are no savings to the Department by the non-renewal of Community Employment (CE) Scheme places for those of 60 years of age or older, or indeed any age, as the CE places are back-filled by other eligible customers. This turnover of places allows the programme to maximise access to the opportunities provided by Community Employment (valuable work experience, accredited training, etc.).
Persons of 55 years of age up to State Pension age can remain on CE for a cumulative maximum of 6 years, inclusive of any time spent on CE prior to their 55th birthday. Once they have completed 6 years’ participation, or reach State Pension age, they must leave the programme. Persons who were in receipt of a disability-linked social welfare payment may avail of one additional year’s participation on the programme.
