82. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will report on the flexibility to be allowed for community employment schemes for community employment workers to remain in employment for at least three years where they are successfully addressing addiction issues and preparing to move on to further education and training; if she will confirm that community employment schemes for those with addiction will have greater flexibility regarding the length of their placement, as was the custom and practice under earlier Ministers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17441/15]

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Kevin Humphreys): There has been no change in the entry requirements and operating procedures for CE Drug Rehabilitation schemes. These places are available to service users who are in drugs rehabilitation and referred to a place by an addiction service practitioner. Referral practitioners are key workers or case managers, counsellors, GPs, treatment centre practitioners, and health service practitioners.

Nine special conditions to support the delivery of drug rehabilitation places on Community Employment were agreed by FÁS in 2004 and revised in 2010 in consultation with statutory, community and voluntary sector representatives. These conditions cover participant eligibility, referral, programme delivery and expected outcomes. Participants on CE Drug Rehabilitation schemes are eligible for up to 3 years duration on the programme. In exceptional circumstances, there is also provision for an extension of one year additional time on a mainstream CE project, subject to DSP agreement.