Phil Hogan
Question:7 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the type of training element that is being introduced to strengthen the former social employment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Job Training Schemes.
A training element has been available under the community employment development programme which replaced the social employment scheme in the 12 partnership areas established under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress.
The training comprises around four weeks on-the-job training, divided between specific or technical skills relating to the project being undertaken and the personal development needs of the workers.
Is the Minister of State satisfied that participants are sufficiently equipped to enter the labour force after four weeks of on-the-job training? Has EC approval been granted for this training element in order to achieve renewed EC funding for social employment schemes of this nature?
In response to the Deputy's second question, the Minister, Deputy Quinn, has been involved in discussions with the Commissioner in Brussels with regard to a review of the programmes and the announcement of the next programme. They will continue at ministerial official level in the months ahead. One of the Minister's first journeys abroad was to Brussels to discuss that mater.
In response to the Deputy's first question, we are constantly looking at innovative and fresh ways of training. Some of the officials in the Department recently had informal discussions with local authorities to see if new ways of training can be initiated. We are constantly reviewing this matter and are looking forward to the next tranche and the discussions which will precede that.
Would the Minister comment on the propose expansion from 15,000 to 60,000 on the social employment scheme and would she also comment on the training implications if the expansion is so high? Already there are serious question marks about the training element of the existing social employment schemes.
The figure of 60,000 related to another question.
As we may not reach that question I thought the Minister of State might have willingly dealt with it.
Would the Minister of State accept that four weeks training is totally inadequate? I remember sitting with the Minister for Enterprise and Employment at the jobs forum where a great deal of time was spent discussing this matter. There is a huge gap between the training and what is available in the marketplace. In the Minister of State's discussions in Brussels on the forthcoming programmes, is she seeking to extend the training period? The Minister of State referred to local authorities. Given the huge areas of activity at local authority level does she accept they should play a greater role in employing people? Will the Minister of State put emphasis on relating training to the obvious needs in the marketplace at local authority level?
Informal discussions are taking place between officials and some county managers. As the Deputy will be aware, there are other difficulties surrounding the issue which need to be approached correctly and with sensitivity. That is why the talks are proceeding in that manner.
With regard to training, I accept that the element of training needed in various schemes concerns us all and will be raised by the Minister in his deliberations with the Commissioner. An innovative approach to training is one of the features we will look at in the months ahead.
Would the Minister of State agree that the introduction of a training element is not a sufficient overhaul of the social employment scheme? What is required is a fundamental, radical overhaul of the concept of the scheme. Also, has she any comment to make on the fact that the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has indicated it would support an extension of the scheme provided it were made more meaningful and relevant to people and will enable people to work productively?
The scheme is reviewed constantly to see how it can be made more relevant; how it can leave people better equipped for employment and how it can lead to more employment. That will now be the thrust of these programmes.