Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 350: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will deal with a matter (details supplied) regarding community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23484/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The maximum participation limits for the community employment schemes (CE) are 3 years in total for those under 55 years of age, and 6 years in total for those of 55 to 65 years of age. Off-shore islander clients are exempt from CE participation caps. Persons in receipt of a qualifying disability-related payment from my Department are eligible for one additional year on top of these two limits, i.e., 4 years for those under 55 and 7 years for those of 55 to 65.

The length of time a person can remain on CE is dictated by a number of factors (as governed by the eligibility rules of CE):

Age of the person

Department of Social Protection (DSP ) payment and duration

Previous participation on CE since April 2000

Whether they are considered job-ready

Budgetary limitations

The overall duration limits are strictly enforced to maximize the number of places available for potential clients.

Approximately, 25% of participants completing CE in 2010 progressed onto employment or further education.