John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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42. To ask the Minister for Social Protection his plans to make changes to community employment schemes; the expected start date for these changes to come into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25939/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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In the context of the falling Live Register and the continuing economic recovery, my Department undertook a review of the work programmes. The outcome of the review made various recommendations in relation to how work programmes, including Community Employment (CE) operate, as well as the overall number of places available. In this context, I have decided to progress some changes to the CE programme which will introduce clearer terms and conditions for entry to the programme and will also widen the range of people who can take part in CE schemes.

The changes I am introducing will see the general qualifying age for CE, for those on the live register, reduced from 25 to 21 years. It will also be easier for previous participants, who have exhausted their CE entitlement, to requalify as participation prior to the year 2007 will be disregarded. While participants between 21 and 55 years will be entitled to one year on the programme, this can be extended by up to 2 more years if they are engaged in a recognised training or education award that is helping them progress towards employment. All CE participants age 55 and over will be able to avail of 3 consecutive years on a CE. There will be an overall limit of 6 years from 2007 (or 7 years if on a disability payment).

I have also signalled my intention to review the rules governing the participation of older people on schemes. This review will take place within the next 3 months.

As part of the implementation of the new measures, my Department is currently consulting with key stakeholders and I expect that the implementation of the new arrangements will commence from mid-June onwards.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.