Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 2

Written Answers. - Job Initiative.

Noel Ahern

Question:

91 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has finalised a decision on the future of jobs initiative persons who are to be laid off in December 1999; if she will continue them in employment for another three years; if she will allow those aged over 55 to continue; if they are entitled to statutory redundancy after their three years employment; and if they can qualify for community employment or other schemes immediately without waiting six months. [22112/99]

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

A final draft of the Deloitte & Touche report on the review of the jobs initiative programme has been provided recently to my Department. Issues such as those raised by the Deputy are amongst those addressed in the report. Decisions on the future of the programme will be taken following consultations with the social partners. I expect consultations to commence at an early stage. The issues raised by the Deputy will be given careful consideration in those consultations.