Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Nov 1994

Vol. 447 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Job Creation.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

146 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment his view on the potential for job creation within the social economy; the steps, if any, taken to facilitate and encourage the development of jobs within this sector; and his views on the establishment of a working party within his Department to further developments in this area. [3465/94]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. Quinn)

I recently indicated in an address to a plenary session of the National Economic and Social Forum that I considered that there was scope for the social economy to provide productive and fulfilling employment particularly for the long term unemployed.

I had come to this view because of the success of the community employment programme which is currently providing opportunities for around 36,000 people. About 70 per cent of participants are engaged in projects sponsored by voluntary and community sponsors across a wide range of activities such as Arts/Cultural, Community/Social Services, Healthcare, Sports, Tourism and Environment.

The further development of the social economy through the community employment programme or some other mechanism will require the co-operation of the social partners and the community at large.

I have already broached the possibility of an EU initiative in this area with Commissioner Flynn and will be happy to co-operate with the EU in relation to any proposals it wishes to make.

In the meantime, the target is to provide 40,000 places on community employment by the end of 1994 and I am optimistic that this target will be achieved and maintained throughout 1995.