Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to hear the Minister is reviewing this. Due to the welcome drop in unemployment, which was outlined earlier, the current eligibility criteria for participating in the schemes are overly restrictive and, indeed, threaten the future of many of those schemes across rural communities. Many schemes are wobbling all over the place. At one time, notices looking for people would go up and would be taken down within a week, but they are now up for over three or four months. Deputy Griffin is right that those who participate in a scheme, for the most part gain invaluable experience that allows many to transfer on to gainful employment. The schemes are also very important as a rehabilitative measure for many in the community.

See this speech in context