Keep over-55s on Community Employment Scheme: Deputy Bobby Aylward
PEOPLE over the age of 55 should be allowed to remain on the Community Employment Scheme, Kilkenny TD Bobby Aylward said today.
Deputy Aylward was speaking as Fianna Fáil tabled an amendment to the Social Welfare Bill in the Dáil.
In a statement released this evening, Deputy Aylward said: “At the end of October 2018, there were a total of 21,243 participants on the CE scheme which seeks to develop technical and personal skills. I have seen in my own constituency how people have enjoyed participating in the scheme and how it gives them a sense of worth.”
“However, many of the people who take part in these schemes are older and the 55-year age limit is proving problematic. A pilot scheme, the Service Support Stream, was initiated in 2015 and allowed CE participants over the age of 62 to remain on a CE scheme until they qualify for the State pension.”
He added Fianna Fáil is “calling on Minister [Regina] Doherty to roll this initiative out across the board to afford those who are flourishing in the scheme to continue to do so.”
