Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I would be grateful for that because the meaning of the statement is not entirely clear.

In the case of those over 55, the issue of reintegration into the work force does not apply and is not relevant. Would it be possible — assuming that the places are available and might otherwise be vacant — that when the six years have elapsed the community employment contract could be renewed on an annual, discretionary basis? Similarly, for those over 35, where the three years have elapsed, the personal and organisational circumstances allow continuation and there is no queue of people waiting to take the place, could the contract be renewed on an annual, discretionary basis? It would be very helpful if the scheme could be made more flexible in that way.