Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will have to defer to the Minister, Deputy Doherty, to provide the Deputy with an answer regarding the CE schemes.

On JobPath, all I would say is that by any objective analysis this Government’s employment policies have been a resounding success. There are 2.3 million people at work in Ireland, more people than ever before, unemployment is below 5% and long-term unemployment is even lower at around 2%, one of the lowest in the world. JobPath has been part of achieving that, as have CE schemes, the local employment service, LES, and the Intreo programme.

I am advised, although I may incorrect, the decision to continue with JobPath for a period relates to our concerns that should there be a no-deal Brexit we may see a rise in unemployment and long-term unemployment and will need that capacity.

See this speech in context