Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 219: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to increase the number of training places on community employment schemes during 2010 in view of the increased number of unemployed, especially the numbers in the under 30 years age group; if it is her intention to relax the age requirement rules under 60 years and the limit of time for participants within the age limit above; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3492/10]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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In December 2009 the Tánaiste announced that an additional 500 places would be provided on the Community Employment (CE) Scheme bringing the total number of participants to 23,300.

The current eligibility criteria set by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for entry onto the Community Employment programme allows for the combination of periods on different social welfare payments provided they add up to at least 12 consecutive months and the person is currently in receipt of the payment at the time of application.

Eligible persons of 55 or over may be eligible to a maximum of 6 years overall participation on CE.