Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 6 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 4

Written Answers. - Community Employment Scheme.

Michael Bell

Ceist:

83 Mr. Bell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans she has to allow people over the age of 60 years to continue on a community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28914/00]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

The primary purpose of the community employment programme is to reintegrate long-term unemployed persons into employment in the open labour market. The programme provides two distinct options for participants: an integration option aimed at persons aged 25 years and over, who are more than one year registered as unemployed, participants usually remain on this option for a one year period; and a work option aimed at persons aged 35 years and over, who are more than three years registered as unemployed. Participants may remain on this option for a period up to three years.

All eligible persons may remain on the programme up to retirement age at 65 years, subject to total participation on the programme of three years. The three years cap on participation was introduced in April 2000 following the restructur ing of CE. Offshore Island residents are exempt from this change.

As identified in the PPF and in the review of the operation of the job initiative programme carried out on behalf of my Department in 1999, some people may have difficulties in getting and keeping a job in the open labour market due to age and other personal barriers such as health, literacy and numeracy factors. Appropriate long-term supports are needed for people experiencing employment barriers of this nature.

My Department is finalising proposals for appropriate supports following discussions with the social partners and receipt of a number of submissions from the statutory, and community and voluntary sectors. Final proposals, which will enhance the range of options available for persons with employment barriers, are expected to be ready for further discussions with the social partners before Christmas.