Austin Deasy
Question:54 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the provisions there are under the FÁS employment programme for the employment of young people between the ages of 18 and 21. [468/94]
Written Answers. - Employment Programme for Young People.
Tony Gregory
Question:130 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he intends to discontinue the teamwork schemes from December 1994, some of which have been in existence since 1977; and if he will give details of alternative schemes which will be funded to cater for 15 to 21 year olds in its place. [2058/94]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 130 together.
The community employment programme was introduced last April as a replacement for the social employment scheme, the community employment development programme and Teamwork. The eligibility criteria for community employment specifying an age limit of 21 years in respect of those in receipt of unemployment assistance may preclude some younger people who would have been eligible for participation on Teamwork. Persons in receipt of unemployment benefit, lone parent's allowance or registered with the National Rehabilitation Board may participate in community employment regardless of age.
There is a broad range of training programmes currently operated by FÁS which cater for the unemployed, regardless of their age. Furthermore, as I have already indicated, the level of provision of opportunities generally for persons under 21 years of age is being reviewed in the context of the FÁS-Department of Social Welfare Options Initiative and the EU YOUTHSTART initiative. I expect to be in a position shortly to finalise proposals arising from this review.