Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons on community employment schemes in each county from 1997 to 2004; the number of persons expected to be on community employment schemes by the end of 2005 in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16387/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The following tabular statement gives the numbers of participants on community employment, CE, schemes on a county-by-county basis for the period 1997 to 16 May 2005. I am informed by FÁS that it anticipates that the distribution of places on a county-by-county basis at end December 2005 will be broadly consistent with the existing spread.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the community employment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16388/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Community employment, CE, provides work experience and training opportunities for the long-term unemployed and other disadvantaged groups with the aim of assisting participants to progress to jobs in the open labour market. The number of participants on CE nationally increased from 19,848 in January 2004 to 22,194 at end December 2004.

I am informed by FÁS that the rate of progression to employment for CE participants in 2002 was 41%; the corresponding rate in 2003 was 46%. Data on progression rates for 2004 have not yet been finalised by FÁS. The progression rates mentioned demonstrate the strong contribution of CE programmes in assisting very disadvantaged persons to take up employment in the open labour market.

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 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 and will help to secure the continuity of community services generally. FÁS employment programmes, which comprise CE, social economy and job initiative, will provide over 25,000 places in 2005.