Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 154: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will communicate with the Department of Health and Children to ensure community employment positions providing services to the IWA are mainstreamed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33724/05]

Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 155: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if funding will be made available to mainstream community employment positions providing services to the IWA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33725/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together.

On 10 November 2004, following a review of FÁS employment schemes — community employment, job initiative and social economy programmes — I announced in 2005 there will be 25,000 places on CE, JI and SEP and the three- year cap will be removed for CE participants aged over 55. This category of participants will be eligible to participate on CE for a maximum of six years. In the case of people advancing beyond 55 years during their normal period of service on CE, participation can be extended for up to a maximum of six years. The current ringfencing of essential services, particularly health-related services, will be maintained. These arrangements will be of benefit to the Irish Wheelchair Association in the provision of carers.