Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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438. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if, in view of the rates of youth unemployment and the increase in the numbers of under 18 year olds presenting with addiction, she will consider lowering the age requirement from 25 years to 18 years on the special status community employment programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31521/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The entry age is already set at 18 years of age for these programmes. The Community Employment (CE) Operating Procedures state that CE Drugs Rehabilitation Places (DRP's) are available to persons aged 18 years or over who are in recovery and referred for a rehabilitation place on CE. Application for a drugs rehabilitation place is based on evidence of an appropriate referral following an assessment of the applicant attending a recognised addiction support service within the last year within the context of the National Rehabilitation Framework of care and case management. This includes HSE addiction services and treatment centres, GPs and other relevant statutory, community and voluntary support services.