Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 384: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether the number of years a person can spend on the community employment scheme should be extended beyond the present three-year cap; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25470/04]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As part of the Government's decision in 1999 to restructure community employment, CE, future participation in CE by an individual was capped at three years, effective from April 2000. The three-year cap was amended in August 2001 to allow FÁS greater flexibility with regard to the retention of particularly disadvantaged persons on the programme.

The terms and conditions of participation on CE are currently under review. There has been extensive consultation with key stakeholders and the social partners, including CORI, over the past year on the future direction of FÁS labour market programmes. All submissions received as part of this process are being fully considered and will help inform the outcome of the review.