Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and welcome his work on this. I appreciate that he is trying to address the matter. I suggest that further to the changes that have already been made, which are welcome, we look at the 2,000 rule and change it to allow more people back in, such as those who have previously benefited from the CE scheme. It should not be held against them. If that could be changed, it would be a very progressive move.

Universal eligibility at 21 would be another progressive measure. It would help participants on the CE schemes and also the communities that benefit from the work of those participants.

The issue of having to be unemployed for 12 months is regrettable and six months or perhaps even three months is an appropriate amount of time for someone to gain eligibility. The issue of spousal swaps could also be looked at and there could be additional financial rewards for individuals for whom there is not enough financial incentive at present, for example, lone parents.

All of these issues could be looked at, given it would benefit everybody involved - the State, the communities which are served by the community employment schemes and, of course, the individuals who are participating. I have yet to meet a person who has participated in a scheme who has not benefitted from it. The benefits of community employment are very understated. I appreciate the work of the Minister to date. It would be very helpful if we could address those measures.

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