Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 323: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will deal with a matter (details supplied) regarding work schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23096/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The overall objective of labour market policy is to provide a pathway to appropriate employment, training and education opportunities for people on the Live Register so that, as employment opportunities become available, they can be taken up by those on the Register.

Given the scale of unemployment, it is essential to assist those on the Live Register to remain close to the labour market and prevent the drift into long-term unemployment. For these reasons and to prioritise scarce resources, eligibility for a range of activation measures and schemes, including the Community Employment scheme, is confined to people of working age. There are currently no plans to change the maximum age for qualification.

It is, however, important to acknowledge and promote a culture that allows for the continuing valuable contribution to society of people, and older people in particular, on a voluntary basis.