I thank the Deputy for her question. I appreciate that the challenges caused by the Covid-19 public health restrictions have impacted on CE schemes. They have impacted on referrals to CE schemes and the services they provide. I met representatives of a number of CE and Tús schemes on 11 June last. We had a constructive exchange of views on the very real challenges facing the unemployment support schemes and how the Department can support schemes over the coming months as they resume more normal levels of service.
I expect that as the economy reopens, we will be able to restore normal participant levels. In fact, we are making provision for an extra 3,000 participant places on CE and Tús schemes over the coming 12 months. In the meantime, the Minister for Social Protection and I recently announced that the existing CE participant contract extension date will be further extended until 20 October 2021 and that the conclusion of these places will be undertaken on a co-ordinated and phased basis.
Over 11,000 CE and Tús participants are benefiting from the latest contract extension up to the end of October. This approach will give participants time to complete training and work experience, while also supporting the delivery of important community services. While the extension of placements helps to alleviate immediate pressures, it is important to note that CE placements are intended to be temporary and subject to time limits. That is to ensure the continued availability of places on CE schemes for other candidates.
As the economy reopens, we hope that we can return to a normal level of throughput in order that places will be available to new candidates, including the significant numbers displaced from employment due to Covid-19. I will continue to support and improve the programme for the benefit of the CE participants and the valuable contribution being made to local communities through the provision of services, while ensuring that places are available for those who are long-term unemployed.
