asked the Minister for Labour if the social employment scheme for 1988 has been cut back.
Written Answers. - Social Employment Scheme.
154.
The amount allocated to the social employment scheme for 1988 from the Exchequer remains unchanged at £39.130 million. A further £4.280 million is expected in 1988 in assistance to the scheme from the European Social Fund. The planned activity rate on the scheme is also unchanged at 9,600 man years.
As I said in the Dáil on 9 June, I understand that FÁS have had to operate a quota system to enable them to remain within the budget for the scheme. This may lead to deferment of certain applications. This system is designed to ensure an equitable geographic spread despite heavy demand for the scheme. I am reviewing the position at the moment to see if any action can be taken to ameliorate the situation.