Vol. 508 No. 3
132 Ms Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on her recent meeting with the INOU regarding proposed changes in the community employment schemes programme; if her proposed changes in these schemes have changed following this meeting; if so, if she will give details of these changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18808/99]
135 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the level of community employment scheme places is to be maintained at the 1999 figure of 37,500; the length of time there after she expects to maintain the figures at this level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18988/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 135 together.
I met separately with both the INOU and ICTU on 25 September 1999 to provide clarification regarding the Government decision of 21 July to restructure the community employment programme.
At these meetings I provided the following clarification of the Government decision. The average level of places on CE schemes for 1999 will be maintained at 37,500 as previously agreed. In this context and given that the participation level at the beginning of 1999 was some 40,000 the projected outturn participation at the end of the year will be in the order of 37,000. There will be synchronisation to the greatest degree possible between the introduction of social economy jobs and any reductions of CE places. Social economy jobs will in general be full time jobs so there will not be a direct one for one ratio. There will be consultations with the social partners within the P2000 committee on labour market issues on how best to allocate any medium-term resources freed up by the restructuring of CE to fit the needs of long-term unemployed. There will be consultations with the social partners at a central level on the proper funding and provision of essential services currently delivered through CE. I indicated that the refocusing of resources towards alternative programmes already agreed with the social partners earlier this year is already operational.
The Government decision to reduce the number of CE places by 4,500 over a five year period, and transfer the resources for 5000 places to a dedicated social economy programme, remains unchanged.
