asked the Minister for Labour if he intends to continue providing a necessary service at a community centre (details supplied) in County Wexford under the social employment scheme.
Written Answers. - Social Employment Scheme.
237.
The community council in question has sought approval for two projects under the social employment scheme.
The first project which started in January 1987 proposed the setting up of a play school for socially deprived children. This project employs three people and will continue until January 1988.
In order to remain within the budget provided for the social employment scheme in 1987 regional participation quotas have been allocated. Consequently new projects and participants may commence only when sufficient numbers of current participants complete their term of employment under the scheme. The south-east region of the NMS has a substantial list of projects awaiting clearance to commence. In these circumstances while approval had been given in June 1986 for the second project which proposes work of a environmental nature, it may be some time before clearance can be given for the commencement of this project.
238.
asked the Minister for Labour if he will clarify the answer given to a parliamentary question raised dealing with the social employment scheme on 3 July 1986, and the recent question raised by Deputy Keating on 8 April 1987, dealing with possible extensions in certain exceptional circumstances.
In answer to a parliamentary question of 3 July 1986 it was stated that under the conditions of the social employment scheme a participant may normally be employed on the scheme for a maximum period of one year. It was also stated that if the workforce in a particular area was inadequate the NMS would consider the re-employment of eligible persons who have completed a year on the scheme.
The development of the scheme since mid-1986 has meant that more than an adequate workforce is available in the majority of regions, including the area referred to by Deputy Keating in his question of 8 April 1987.
In these circumstances, the Deputy will appreciate that the re-employment of persons who have already completed 52 weeks on the scheme should not be permitted in order to give an opportunity to the greatest possible number of persons to participate.
239.
asked the Minister for Labour if his attention has been drawn to the fact that payments of approximately £20,000 are due to Kinsale Chamber of Tourism, County Cork under the social employment scheme for the town and that as a consequence there is a danger that the scheme may have to be terminated; if all outstanding payments are being brought up to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
All claims received to date by my Department from Kinsale Chamber of Tourism have been dealt with and all allowable expenditure has been recouped to the sponsors.