Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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481. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a review has been carried on the pilot scheme which allowed those aged 62 years of age and over to remain on a community employment scheme until their retirement age; if this pilot scheme will now be extended to remove the restrictions on the numbers both nationally and within each scheme; her views on whether this scheme has been effective in relieving the crisis of recruitment within community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38453/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Community Employment (CE) is a programme providing part-time temporary work in local communities, including opportunities for training and development, as a stepping-stone back to employment. The CE programme provides funding for participants aged up to 66 years of age who meet the current eligibility criteria.

A pilot initiative known as the Service Support Stream (SSS) was implemented in January 2016. This enabled 7% of participants aged 62 years and over to extend their participation beyond the standard maximum participation limits and to remain on CE up to State pension age, provided the participant continued to meet the eligibility conditions and the number of places on the scheme was not exceeded. The total number of places allocated nationally to the SSS for the 12 month period of 2016 was 1,600 places, which represented 7% of the total number of active CE places. To date, all places have not been utilised.

A commitment given by Government to review the SSS is now completed. Overall the scheme for over 62’s has been positively received by Sponsors, Community Groups who benefit from the service of CE and the participants who have availed of the pilot scheme. My Department has examined the recommendations, which includes re-visiting the number of places available to the SSS. I have recently permitted persons on reaching age 62 to apply for one of these places rather than completing a waiting period, in some cases up to 12 months following the break in their previous CE participation. This should assist in filling some of the places available on the SSS.

The Deputies will appreciate that the welcome reduction in the unemployment rate is a factor in recruitment to all programmes. The Government is very mindful of the large number of work programme places involved in service delivery and other valuable services around the country. In this regard if any scheme is experiencing particular recruitment difficulties, they should contact their local Department Intreo Centre for assistance.