Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 75: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on changing the social welfare restrictions which make it impossible for women returning to work from family duties to access community employment schemes (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47323/08]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, 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. CE helps unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance/develop both their technical and personal skills.

The eligibility criteria and participation limits for CE are set by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). The qualifying criteria for participation are intended to facilitate the movement of participants through CE, allowing new participants who may not otherwise have such an opportunity, to avail of the programme.

In relation to the Deputy's query a person signing for credits from Social Welfare is not eligible to obtain a position on a FÁS Community Employment (CE) scheme.

However, I am advised that the FÁS programme Expanding the Workforce (ETW) is specifically aimed at women returning to the labour market. Women who have been out of the workforce for 12 months or more, who are not in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance or Benefit and want to return to work are eligible to participate in this programme. Many other accredited training courses are also available from FÁS.

All of the options outlined can be explored in full by contacting the local FÁS Employment Services Offices where advice and guidance on the most suitable course of action for a client can be provided.

In conclusion then, I would say that this Government will continue to support into the future the positive role of CE in meeting the needs of long-term unemployed persons while at the same time providing essential services to communities. In this regard, we are keeping the operation of the Scheme under constant review.