Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Jun 1992

Vol. 420 No. 7

Written Answers. - Social Employment Scheme.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

26 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Labour the proposals, if any, he has to radically restructure the framework of the social employment scheme, having regard to the continuous rise of long term unemployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Labour (Mr. Cowen)

The social employment scheme is the subject of continuing review to see what changes if any, subject to budgetary constraints, can be made to improve the structures of the scheme. The introduction of a Community Employment Development Programme was included in the measures announced by the Taoiseach on 30 April 1992, aimed at the long term unemployed in the 12 areas involved in the area based strategy for long term unemployment.

This programme is a development of the social employment scheme and will involve the incorporation of a training element in projects with more than 15 participants. The programme will commence as soon as arrangements have been established for the inclusion of a training element in these projects. The programme will be evaluated in conjunction with the other special measures announced by the Taoiseach.

Officials of my Department and FÁS recently met with the county managers to discuss the operation of the social employment scheme by local authorities whose projects represent about 35 per cent of participants on the scheme. There may be scope for improving the structure of the scheme as operated by the local authorities including the introduction of a training element.

Expenditure on the scheme in 1992 is projected at £72.9 million which is being met in full by the Exchequer as no ESF aid is available for the scheme in 1992. This will provide opportunities for an average of 11,000 people each week.