Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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66. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if there are circumstances where a person over the age of 55 who has been on community employment for three years can continue on this scheme or if there are other labour activation programmes available to such a person. [1245/15]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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With effect from 3 April 2000, lifetime cumulative maximum participation on CE by an individual is as follows:

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

- 6 years (312 weeks) maximum for persons of 55 years of age up to State Pension age (inclusive of any CE participation under 55 years of age); and

- For people in receipt of a qualifying disability-linked social welfare payment, for those under 55 years of age (Part-Time Job Option only), 4 years cumulative time on CE applies and 7 years cumulative time for those between 55 and State Pension age (Part-Time Job Option only).

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

In the circumstances outlined by the Deputy, the person is 55 or over and has already participated on CE for 3 years (assuming s/he has left the scheme). Therefore, the person may have eligibility for a maximum of 3 additional years’ participation (out of the lifetime cumulative maximum of 6 years), subject to the standard qualifying criteria for entry to the scheme.

If the person is currently in receipt of a CE-qualifying social welfare payment for more than 12 months, but less than 3 years, they may qualify under the Part-Time Integration (PTI) Option of CE for one year’s participation. On finishing the year on CE, they would have to exit the scheme and re-qualify for another year on CE (under the PTI Option) by being in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for a minimum of 12 months.

If the person is currently in receipt of a CE-qualifying social welfare payment for 3 years or more, they may be eligible under the Part-Time Job Option of CE, which may be for 3 consecutive years’ participation, subject to annually renewable contracts.

The other labour market programmes run by the Department include Tús and Gateway. In the main, qualifying persons are selected by the Department for a placement on these schemes as part of the activation process. Further details can be obtained from the local Intreo centre or from the Department’s website – .

It should also be noted that JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme, provides work experience opportunities for unemployed people. It is aimed at people who have been either getting a jobseeker’s payment or signing for credits for at least 3 months. Participants in the scheme will be offered an internship of 6 or 9 months with a host organisation. If they take up an internship they will keep their social welfare payment and will get an extra €50 per week.