120. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of participants under 25 years of age who commenced a community employment placement in 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47727/14]

The number of participants under 25 years of age who commenced a Community Employment (CE) placement in 2013 was 426.

The general minimum age for entry to CE is 25 years, but certain qualifying categories can access CE from 18 years of age, i.e. persons in receipt of a disability-linked social welfare payment, Travellers, refugees, offshore islanders, ex-offenders and those referred to CE under the national drug rehabilitation protocols.