Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have been a long-term supporter of CE schemes in whatever position I held, particularly when I was in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I preserved them and gave additional supports in particular to those over the age of 55. I was the first Minister to bring in the scheme for those over the age of 55 to give longer terms for people on CE schemes. My view is that CE schemes are essential to underpin communities and should not be seen just as a labour market intervention but rather as a community support. I will talk to the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, with regard to the points raised by the Deputies. I have seen the work of enterprise schemes and CE schemes across the length and breadth of the country. We will see what we can do. Yesterday, in the Covid plan, we provided for additional funding more generally for communities and for mental health NGOs in respect of giving additional supports but I will talk to the Minister, Deputy Humphreys.

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