Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I regret it does not clarify the matter. I am well aware of the eligibility criteria for participation on the community employment scheme, which the Government changed a number of years ago. This change is having a devastating impact on community employment schemes. I am surprised that schemes in the Minister of State's constituency have not contacted him about the impact this change is having on their ability to attract participants to the scheme. The fact that a person might be no longer eligible to participate in a scheme does not mean he or she will find employment outside of it. As I said in my opening remarks, there are people who, because of their age and abilities, are unable to find mainstream employment. The work provided by community employment schemes is hugely rewarding for such people.

As I said, the change to the rules is having a devastating effect on communities. If it were not for the work undertaken by community employment schemes - social, cultural and environmental - towns and villages the length and breadth of the country would not be maintained in a pristine condition and many child care facilities would not be able to operate. The change is not working but the Government does not get it. I am delighted that my colleagues are bringing this issue to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Regina Doherty. I am bringing it to the attention of the Government on the floor of the House again today. Not only is the Minister and the Government not acting on these representations they are refusing to acknowledge that there is a problem.

My colleague will bring forward legislation this week that will ensure that there can be changes to the eligibility criteria. I hope that it will receive cross-party support. If the Government does not support it, Fianna Fáil will force it to make the changes needed to ensure the long-term viability of critical schemes like this.

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