Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

265. To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to reduce the age eligibility parameter for participation in community employment schemes, from 25 to 21; her views on the progress that has been made in this regard; her plans to accelerate the enabling of people of that age group, who wish to participate, to do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22389/15]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The current qualification with regard to age for entry to Community Employment (CE) is determined under two headings. 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 consecutive years of 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).

Eligibility criteria for CE are kept under review to ensure fitness for purpose and maximum utilisation of CE places.