James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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169. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the community employment scheme of a person (details supplied); if he will extend this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12253/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Department sets down eligibility criteria for participation on Community Employment (C.E.) schemes so as to ensure that opportunities to avail of activation measures are managed effectively. The maximum duration of participation available on C.E. is determined having regard to a range of factors including the age of the participant and signing record at date of commencement on the scheme.

In certain circumstances it is possible for those aged 62 and over to have their placement extended until they reach 66 years of age. The person concerned was eligible under this category of participant. The C.E. scheme in question has two such places available and interviews were held with interested participants. Unfortunately, the person concerned was not successful at interview stage.

The scheme’s next renewal date is 02/06/2017. At that time the person concerned will finish on the scheme, having completed 6 years in total.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.