Vol. 561 No. 5
162 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to a person who is anxious to commence work on a community employment scheme, who is signing on with the local social welfare office for credits, but is not in receipt of money from the Department of Social and Family Affairs; the qualification rules in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4989/03]
Eligibility criteria for community employment, CE, is focused on long-term unemployed persons in receipt of certain social welfare payments. Persons signing for credits are not in receipt of a welfare payment and, therefore, are not eligible to participate on the programme. The general terms and conditions relating to participation on CE have been reviewed and adjusted over time having regard to the Government's decision in 1999 to restructure this programme, and the recommendations contained in the subsequent P2000 report on facilitating women's access to labour market opportunities. I consider it appropriate, especially at a time when the level of available places on the programme is reducing, to target existing resources at disadvantaged groups such as the long-term unemployed, lone parents, and persons with disabilities. I have no plans to extend the eligibility criteria further at this time.
