Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2014
87. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to reassess the maximum participation time limit with regard to community employment schemes for persons aged 55 and over, which currently stands at six years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39868/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity Employment (CE) is a key resource in the provision of opportunities for long-term unemployed persons, lone parents, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
At the same time, CE provides valuable support to community and voluntary organisations in the provision of vital supports to local communities. At the end of September, 2014, there are over 1,030 CE schemes with over 24,300 places taken up. The budget for the programme will increase to over €373m in 2015, up from €358 million this year.
As to the duration a person can spend on the scheme, the position is that, since 2000, lifetime cumulative participation on CE by an individual is 6 years maximum for persons of 55 years of age and 7 years maximum for those over 55 years on disability-linked social welfare payments. This compares to 3 years for persons under 55 years of age.
At the moment, there are 6,515 participants who are over 55 years on CE.
I have asked my officials to examine the current duration practices, as part of the on-going monitoring of the CE programme. However, there are no current plans to extend the participation limit for those aged 55 and over above the current six years cumulative participation limit that currently applies.
The Deputy will appreciate that consideration of the extension of any duration on CE has to have regard to the availability of places for other job-seekers and vulnerable groups.
