Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 5

Written Answers. - Community Employment Schemes.

John McGuinness

Question:

68 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her Department has studied the implications of reducing the numbers involved in the community employment scheme; the plans, if any, she has to substitute this scheme in the secondary school sector where a reduction in numbers in the community employment scheme will affect the management of schools in areas including secretarial work, caretaking and classroom assistants; if she will review the funding available to this scheme with a view to granting a substantial increase; and if she will make a statement on the success of the scheme.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

The Deputy is referring to the independent review of the community employment programme (CE) carried out by consultants Deloitte & Touche to examine if CE is working efficiently and effectively as a labour market programme.

Deloitte & Touche reported to my Department in September and I immediately arranged for publication of the review and its circulation to stakeholders as I know there is a great deal of interest in the review and the package of recommendations it proposes.

On the specific issue raised by the Deputy, the utilisation of CE by statutory bodies, the review found market linkages in this area to be weak with few of the participants finding equivalent work subsequently. For that reason the review recommended the gradual phasing out of CE places in the statutory sector with the onus for delivery of the relevant service resting with the appropriate Department. Commenting on the education sector the review describes the work being done on community employment as very valuable but the question is whether these supports should in fact be provided directly by the Department of Education and Science. Any proposals I bring forward to amend the community employment programme will reflect a process of consultation with the social partners and of course with ministerial colleagues who have a Departmental interest in providing these services.