Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection in view of the recent announcements of additional community employment places, his plans to introduce changes to eligibility criteria and allow those that had previously participated in schemes to continue beyond the current time duration so as to avoid returning to long-term unemployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58057/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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There are no plans to change the current CE eligibility criteria to facilitate those who have previously participated on CE schemes for the maximum duration to re-enter. As of the 4^th January of this year there were 188,632 jobseekers on the Live Register who were over 1 year unemployed. These jobseekers are the primary target group for Community Employment. Any changes as advised would result in less places being available for this target group.

The current CE durations are follows.

With effect from 3^rd April 2000, lifetime participation on Community Employment by an individual will be limited to:

-3 years (156 weeks) for persons under 55 years of age.

-6 years (312 weeks) for persons of 55 years of age up to and including 65 years of age.

-Eligible persons in receipt of a qualifying disability-linked Social Welfare payment will be eligible for one additional year on CE over the standard maximum participation caps, i.e. 4 years maximum time on CE for those under 55 years of age (PTJ Option only), and 7 years maximum time for those between 55 and 65.

-Participation on Community Employment has an upper age limit of 65 years of age, i.e. a CE participant/Supervisor can remain on CE until the day before their 66^th birthday, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.

-Participation on CE prior to 3^rd April 2000 is not counted.

Under the Government Policy Statement, Pathways to Work, one-third of places on Community Employment schemes will be refocused towards shorter more focused active labour market interventions.

The Department will continue to review schemes to ensure that there are adequate supports available to assist jobseekers and other disadvantaged groups and that the maximum utilisation and value is gained from Community Employment participation.