Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 80: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if being in receipt of invalidity pension is a disqualification when applying for a community employment scheme; when this change was introduced and for what purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21567/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Community Employment (CE) 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 within their communities on a fixed term basis. The programme helps unemployed people to progress to the open labour market by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine and assists them in enhancing/developing both their technical and personal skills.

The aim of CE still remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment. The programme is managed within this context, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community. FÁS operates the programme flexibly as far as possible to ensure the continuation of community projects.

Persons aged 18 years and over who are in receipt of specific Social Welfare payments, one of which is the Invalidity Pension, may qualify for the Community Employment Part-time Integration Option. Similarly, the Part-time Job Option is available to those aged 35 years in receipt of specific Social Welfare payments, one of which is the Invalidity Pension. I should say, however, Department of Social and Family Affairs approval is required for each of these options if the person wishes to engage in employment of a rehabilitative nature.