Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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187. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend the community employment scheme of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [26134/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The person concerned has participated on the Community Employment (CE) Scheme (Part-Time Job Option) since 18 June 2012.

The duration of participation on CE under the Part-Time Job Option is limited to:

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

- 6 years (312 weeks) for persons of 55 years of age up to state pension age;

- Eligible persons who are in receipt of a qualifying disability linked social welfare payment will be eligible for one additional year on CE over the standard maximum participation caps, set out above.

The person sought an extension of their participation on the CE scheme with Swords Recreation Development Group. However, the person is under 55 years of age, and is not in receipt of a disability related social welfare payment. As the person has already participated on the scheme for the maximum permitted period, i.e. three years, no further extension can be approved and participation on the CE scheme ceased on 26 June 2015.

The person has since made a claim for Jobseekers Transition Payment. The claim is awarded and is in payment at the rate of €217.80 per week.