Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to increase the number of years of participation on community employment schemes that applies to persons under the age of 55 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29652/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In general, the maximum participation limit for community employment is one year with the opportunity to extend for a further year if this is considered the most suitable and cost effective measure to assist the client in gaining employment. A person may be eligible for different periods of engagement and extensions on CE due to their age or if they are in receipt of a qualifying disability-related payment from my Department or have previously been engaged on a scheme. Currently, 23,300 work placements are available on CE nationally.

The overall limits on duration spent on CE are strictly enforced to maximise the number of places available for potential clients and to ensure progression. I have no plans to extend the duration on CE.