Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 291: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in regard to community employment schemes in rural areas in which the pool of eligible persons is small, he will allow persons under 55 years to have more than the present cap of three years on community employment schemes in order that schemes may go ahead as against collapsing for lack of numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11667/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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On foot of a review of FÁS employment schemes, which included detailed consultations with the social partners, I decided that with effect from 10 November 2004, the three year cap would be removed for community employment, CE, participants aged 55 or over. This category of participants is now eligible to participate on CE for a maximum of six years. The extension of the participation period from three to six years for over 55s should ensure that there will be sufficient clients to fill the available places. The continuation of ring-fencing and prioritisation for the essential services of child care, health related services and drugs task force clients, and the extended participation on CE by older workers, will help to secure the continuity of community services generally.