Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason a resource centre (details supplied) in County Carlow one did not qualify for a community employment scheme. [36625/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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From 1 January 2011 policy and funding responsibility for FÁS functions in relation to employment and community employment services was transferred to the Department of Social Protection in accordance with the provisions of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2010. FÁS remains responsible for the day to day operation of community employment in accordance with the terms of a Service Agreement/Framework Document which it has concluded with the Department.

FÁS has informed me that Bagenalstown Resource Centre did not make an official application to FÁS for a community employment (CE) project. However, there is a CE participant from Carlow Regional Youth Service based at the Resource Centre. FÁS has advised that the Resource Centre contact their local FÁS Community Services Office at Government Buildings, Castlepark, Arklow to discuss the application process.

Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 142: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the required criteria to qualify for a community employment scheme. [36626/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Community Employment is an employment and training programme which helps long-term unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine. The programme assists by enhancing and developing a person's technical and personal skills which can then be used in the workplace.

The criteria for participating on community employment are based on age and length of time in receipt of various social protection payments. There are two options under which community employment can be accessed. In general, the Part-time Integration Option is for people aged 25 or over who are receiving social welfare payments for a year or more, and people of 18 years or over in receipt of disability-related payments. The Part-time Job Option is for people who are 35 or over and in receipt of social welfare payments for three years or longer. Certain groups, such as members of the traveller community, refugees and recovering drug misusers may be eligible for both options provided they are aged at least 18 years. Under certain conditions a spousal swap can be approved. Those who are signing for credits or are receiving social welfare benefits from a different country are not eligible to participate on community employment. Further detailed information is available on the FÁS website (www.fas.ie).