Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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115. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if her Department will consider lowering the qualification age in all cases for participation in community employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25079/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The current qualification age system employed on Community Employment (CE) is determined by the eligibility for each of two main types of CE. The part-time integration (PTI) option of CE is aimed at those of 25 years of age and over who have been unemployed for 12 months or longer. It allows for one year’s participation on the CE scheme. Certain categories of participants can gain entry to this PTI option at 18 years of age (qualifying persons with a disability, Travellers, ex-offenders, refugees, offshore islanders and drug rehabilitation clients).

The part-time job (PTJ) option of CE is aimed at persons of 35 years of age and over who have been unemployed for three years or longer. It allows for three years’ participation on the scheme subject to annually renewable contracts. Again, certain categories of participants can gain entry to this option at 18 years of age (Travellers, refugees, offshore islanders and drug rehabilitation clients).

The CE eligibility criteria are kept under review to ensure fitness for purpose and maximum utilisation of CE places. As part of this ongoing review process, the entry age is currently being examined.