John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

My Adjournment Matter is self-explanatory. I am asking the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to outline the reasons those on the live register not in receipt of a welfare payment are not considered by FÁS for participation in community employment schemes. The case in question - the details have been supplied to the Minister - involves an individual not in receipt of a welfare payment because of the level of income of his spouse. He cannot obtain a community employment scheme place because he works a little more than one day a week. It seems FÁS has decided, for whatever reason, that people who find themselves in this position will be left at the bottom of the list when it comes to being looked after. There are many in a similar position who are working a reduced number of hours. Some of them, like this individual, would be interested in upskilling, a word we hear used a great deal in the Seanad and other places, with the need for people to constantly upgrade their personal skills. The individual concerned wants to do this and because of the system in place is not in a position to do so. The Minister of State might have some positive news.

I congratulate the Minister of State who has strong family connections in my part of the country, south County Kilkenny, on his appointment as Chief Whip.