Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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207. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the wishes of persons (details supplied) regarding participation on a community employment scheme will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24650/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The persons concerned were originally approved for participation on Community Employment (CE) under the Part-Time Integration (PTI) option. 

Under the PTI option, a person may be eligible to participate on CE for a maximum continuous period of two years. After the two year period elapses, they must leave the program and be on the live register for 12 months before re-qualifying for any additional participation on CE.  Any further participation on CE is limited to a maximum lifetime duration of 3 years for persons under 55 years of age and 6 years for persons over 55 year of age.

The individual concerned will complete his 6th year on CE on the 27th September 2019 and he will reach the maximum eligible time on CE on this date.  He does not qualify for an extension beyond this date.

However, the Department's activation service can work with him to ensure that the benefits of the experience and training he received during his time on CE are maximised.  This process will help identify potential employment opportunities and offer support to him in overcoming any barriers to employment.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.