Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I believe there are more than 20,000 participants on community employment schemes but only 30% to 40% of these placements are categorised as social inclusion. I have come across facilities that rely on CE scheme staff for vital community operations. They have told me any participant aged 60 and over, and not aged 62 and over, should be able to remain on the CE scheme continuously until the State pension age, with an increase in the number allowed on each scheme. One centre in Carlow had two participants aged 60 who had to go back on jobseeker's payments although they did not want to do so. They wanted to stay on the scheme. They found it hard to get a job. It can be cruel and unfriendly when we get to that age. I ask the Minister of State to look at this.

As individuals receive approximately €20 per week for participating on a scheme, there should not be an added cost to the Exchequer by implementing these types of changes, while the community would benefit immensely. I know the Minister of State supports the valuable service and much needed opportunity it provides to allow individuals who may not work otherwise to contribute to their local town or village, particularly in many rural communities such as my own. I would appreciate it. It is all about community and this plays a huge part.

See this speech in context