Toddy O'Sullivan
Question:29 Mr. T. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline his views on the distribution of EC Structural Funds assistance for projects assisting the long term unemployed.
Written Answers. - EC Structural Funds.
Assistance for projects to help the long term unemployed is provided by the European Social Fund mainly under Objective 1 — promoting the development and structural adjustment of the less developed regions — and Objective 3 — combating long term unemployment — of the reformed Structural Funds.
Irish projects to assist the long term unemployed are sizeable and are operated by the Department of Education, FáS and the Department of Justice. In addition, projects to assist the disabled long term unemployed are carried out by organisations under the guidance of the National Rehabilitation Board.
The measures operated by the organisations include—
FáS social employment scheme (SES), alternance training (alternating work and training), specific skills training and non-traditional training for women.
Department of Education: vocational training opportunity scheme (VTOS).
Department of Justice: training of ex-offenders.
National Rehabilitation Board: training of disabled persons.
Under the European Community Initiatives, the horizon programme which will cater for the disabled and disadvantaged will also assist the long term unemployed. This programme will be delivered by a number of agencies.
In addition, three Community initiatives to assist the long term unemployed are being operated in Dublin inner city, Tallaght, and Cork city north.
In 1991 a total of IR£29.61 million in ESF assistance is committed by the Community to these programmes and a total of 13,521 persons will receive training.
I am generally satisfied that this assistance from the Structural Funds is having a significant impact in assisting the long term unemployed. There is one area where I am unhappy. This relates to the decision of the Council to provide ESF assistance for the social employment scheme only up to the end of 1991. I propose to seek the restoration of assistance for the SES at the next reform of the fund.