Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2015
266. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to ensure that people who have reached 60 years of age are allowed unlimited participation in community employment schemes, when both the sponsors and the people themselves wish to continue their active continuation on such schemes, which are valuable for the participants and the communities they serve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22390/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe aim of Community Employment (CE) is to enhance the employability and mobility of disadvantaged and unemployed persons by providing work experience and training opportunities for them within their communities on a temporary basis. The Department’s priority in supporting CE is having access to schemes that can provide job seekers and other vulnerable groups with good quality work experience and training qualifications to support their progression into employment. The proportion of participants over 60 years of age is currently 10.9% (May 2015).
Persons of 60 years of age or over can participate for a cumulative maximum of 6 years on CE, with one additional year being available for persons who were in receipt of a disability-linked social welfare payment.
Participation on CE ranges from 1 year up to 6 years for participants depending on their eligibility and 7 years for people with a disability. This is extensive for an active labour market programme. However, I am currently examining this issue.
