Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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291. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the criteria to join a community employment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25792/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment and/or further education and training. The core eligibility criterion for CE is that the person is in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for a year or more.

Persons signing for credits or who are otherwise ineligible for a social welfare payment do not meet the current eligibility requirements for participation on the CE Scheme. They may, however, be eligible for participation on other Department programmes.

Such persons are advised to contact their local DSP Intreo Office where a Case Officer will be available to discuss the employment and training options that are open to them.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.