Richard Bruton
Question:125 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she continues to be committed to a participating rate of 40,000 in community employment as agreed with the social partners. [19665/98]
Written Answers. - Community Employment Schemes.
The Deputy may be aware that in the light of the significant and positive changes in the labour market since inception of the community employment programme (CE) in 1994 the Government commissioned consultants Deloitte & Touche to carry out an independent review of the programme. Deloitte & Touche reported to my Department last month.
On foot of their review Deloitte & Touche propose a package of measures dealinginter alia with: the quality of CE for participants; its optimal size in current labour market conditions; and the appropriateness of CE for younger persons (under 25s) vis-à-vis other labour market programmes. There has been a great deal of interest in the review of CE by the various stakeholders in the programme. For that reason immediately on receipt of the review I arranged for its publication, laying before the Oireachtas and circulation to the social partners to allow for a process of consultation on the recommendations in the review. In due course proposals I make to Government to amend the programme will reflect that process of consultation.