Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The older one is, the harder it is to find work, obviously. We all know people who have lost their jobs or become redundant. Their skills are no longer relevant in modern society and they are in their 50s and into their 60s. They are simply rotting away, drawing social welfare, out walking trying to fill the day. Several people in that position have been accommodated by the community employment schemes. They give them a reason to get up in the morning and something to do. They give them a goal. It is done at very little cost to the State - €20 per week on top of their social welfare payments. It is doing an awful lot of good in that regard.

There is a second good they are doing. The results of the activities of community employment schemes are clearly visible all around us. Certainly in my area they have done fantastic work which has enhanced the physical environment tremendously. They also do wonderful work in building up and helping to run GAA clubs, soccer clubs and other local clubs, reinforcing the sense of community in their areas. All I am asking is for the Minister to have a look at the current rules which I accept have been relaxed from what they were, to see if people over the age of 55 could avail of these schemes until they are at pension age.

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