James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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206. To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on extending the length of a community employment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6114/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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It is the policy of the Department that a person under 55 years of age can only participate on a Community Employment (CE) scheme for a maximum of 3 years.

The person concerned commenced on the CE scheme on 12th September, 2011 and was due to finish on 5th September 2014. Her contract was extended by 11 weeks at the request of the scheme supervisor to allow her to access Level 5 FETAC training. A further request was granted in November 2014 to extend her contract by 7 weeks to allow the position to be advertised and filled.

This position has been advertised and will be filled by a suitable eligible candidate.

Officers from my department will continue to work with the person concerned in identifying other suitable employment and training options for her.