David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 164: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to further develop the community employment scheme, in particular to enhancing employment levels of the over 55's; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8574/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Community Employment is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long-term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work and training and development opportunities within their communities on a temporary, fixed term basis.

To cater for older workers in particular, in November 2004, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment revised the three year participation limit to allow those of 55 years of age and over to avail of a six year period on Community Employment. This measure was introduced in recognition of the fact that older participants may find it more difficult to progress into the open labour market.

Currently, there are over 6,000 people over 55 years of age Community Employment Schemes. This represents 29% of those on Community Employment, a figure which has increased from 25% at year end 2005.

In terms of the overall development of Community Employment, as part of its continuous improvement processes, FAS has introduced a new Individual Learner Plan approach to the Community Employment programme. This approach aimed at systematically supporting the progression of programme participants is currently being rolled out nationwide.

In addition, FAS has developed three FETAC Major Awards, two at level 3 and one at level 4, designed to meet the training needs of learners participating on Community Services programmes. The flexible format of the awards will allow for the construction of a programme of learning, specifically designed to address the learning needs of the individual learner.