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

I am pleased my question triggered some response from the Minister and his Department because I tabled a question last Wednesday and lo and behold, last Friday it all came tumbling out. I am very pleased I played a role in that regard, along with some of my colleagues who are present. So be it.

It is vital that people over 55, in particular those who use the schemes as a form of rehabilitation, are allowed to continue on schemes. There is nothing to stop that. It is all right talking about work but in rural areas in particular, one might not even have transport to get to work.

There should be a change in the Tús scheme in terms of providing materials grants and educational and training opportunities. Does the Minister still plan to reduce the number of places on community employment and Tús schemes when he links them to the live register, as he outlined in his reply? Would that not imperil the provision of community services? In terms of his future plans for CE and Tús schemes, does the Minister intend to reduce the number of places in 2018? When the Minister starts to talk to bureaucrats they will certainly urge him to do so. Does the Minister have plans to increase the materials or training grants received by CE schemes? That would be very important. In addition, does he have plans to incentivise those in receipt of disability allowance to take up places on CE schemes? That would be a very important avenue of participation.

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