104. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection the eligibility criteria for community employment scheme places for persons under 25 years of age. [33735/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The purpose of Community Employment is primarily about developing the skills base and work readiness of individuals who are unemployed for long periods so that they can re-enter the workforce or pursue other training opportunities. The criteria for participating on community employment, and similar initiatives, have not, in general, encompassed young people and those still attending places of education. Persons aged 18 and older are eligible for community employment where they are in receipt of certain Social Protection payments such as Disability Allowance, Blind Pension and Invalidity Pension or if they are Travellers, refugees, residents of off-shore islands, ex-offenders or referred by the Probation Service or Drugs Task Force.