Minister Of State Killeen Calls For CE Scheme To Be Revised For Older Persons

Community Employment is an employment and training programme, which helps long-term unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine. The programme assists them to enhance and develop both their technical and personal skills, which can then be used in the workplace.

According to Minister Killeen, ‘To cater for older workers in particular, in November 2004, within six weeks of my appointment as Minister for Labour Affairs, the 3 year CE capping was revised to allow those of 55 years of age and over to avail of a six year period on CE. This was introduced in recognition of the fact that older participants may find it more difficult to progress into the open labour market.’

He explained that workers benefiting under this three-year extension were now facing unemployment and would find it difficult to source employment.

‘I have received a written reply from Minister Coughlan who reaffirmed her Department’s commitment to keeping the CE Scheme under constant review’, stated the junior Agriculture Minister.

In her letter to Minister of State Killeen, the Tánaiste wrote, ‘The aim of CE still remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment. The programme is managed with in this context, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community. However, it should be remembered that, in so far as participants remain on CE, they are precluding someone else from benefiting from the programme. FAS makes every effort to ensure that differing levels of demand between neighbouring schemes are equalised. FAS also operates the programme flexibly as far as possible to ensure the continuation of community projects.’

Minister Coughlan continued, ‘I should say that the Government will continue to support the positive role in CE in meeting the needs of long-term unemployed persons while at the same time providing essential services to communities. In this regard, the operation of the Scheme is kept under constant review.’

The CE programme is sponsored by groups wishing to benefit the local community, namely voluntary organisations and public bodies involved in not-for-profit activities.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (with special responsibility for Fisheries and Forestry), is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900