Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 5

Written Answers. - Community Employment Schemes.

Bernard Allen

Question:

59 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the changes made in the provision of caretakers and secretaries for schools which were covered by the community employment schemes following on budget announcements about the Department of Education and Science resuming responsibility for these services. [11980/00]

Nora Owen

Question:

64 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the changes made in the provision of caretakers and secretaries for schools which were covered by community employment schemes following on the budget announcements about the Department of Education and Science resuming responsibility for these services. [12141/00]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 64 together.

FÁS has operational responsibility for the delivery of the community employment , CE, programme, including project selection and appraisal. Schools are continuing to participate in the CE programme. However, discussions have commenced between my Department and the Department of Education and Science on determining the potential to mainstream services currently provided for the education sector through CE, including school secretaries and caretakers. The outcome of these discussions will be considered by the social partners in the context of the special working group on the future funding of essential services currently provided under CE, as required under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. The findings of this group will be considered by Government at the appropriate time.