Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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1496. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on extending the eligibility for the community employment scheme to those who are long-term unemployed but not in receipt of jobseeker's allowance; the measures being taken to assist such persons back into employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35272/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, 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 one year or more. CE is intended for the long-term unemployed and other specified disadvantaged groups.

There are a range of options available to unemployed people who do not qualify for CE, including upskilling and training provided by the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and Springboard and Skillnets courses funded through the Department of Education. My Department’s Intreo centres are also in a position to advise clients on the interventions that best suit their individual needs. Such persons are advised to contact their local DSP Intreo Centre 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.