373. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of participants aged between 18 and 25 who commenced a community employment scheme in each of the following years: 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26036/14]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The general entry age for Community Employment (CE) is 25 years of age or older. However, certain categories of client can participate on the programme at 18 years of age or over, including persons with a disability, Travellers, drug rehabilitation clients, refugees, ex-offenders and offshore islanders.

The table below sets out the number of participants aged 18-25 years of age who commenced CE in the specified years (2014 figures are year-to-date).
Year           2011 2012 2013 2014 (YTD)
Age 18-25    379  325   479   293