Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Unfortunately, I will not be able to able to stay for the responses to my questions. I thank the officials for coming in to discuss this interesting topic. We all know how successful the community employment schemes have been in our constituencies and nationally. I am glad to hear about the amnesty or disregard that will allow more people who have previously participated in community employment to do so again. I previously dealt with a case in which a community employment scheme was coming to an end because the term was finishing. Those involved were very disappointed that they could not continue on after their term expired. This shows how successful these schemes have been.

I would like to raise another issue briefly. When people are forced to retire at the age of 65, they have to sign on for a year until they receive their pensions at the age of 66. Would it be possible to help to fill this space by allowing people in these circumstances to avail of community employment schemes? I am thinking particularly of part-time schemes that involve community participation. I do not know whether there is a role for community employment in this area.