Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 262: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will abolish the three-year lifetime capping of community employment scheme participants introduced. [27636/05]

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 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. I have no plans to make any further changes to CE participation periods. 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.