Vol. 525 No. 2
243 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will ensure that the personal assistant programme run by FÁS to assist those with a physical disability will be maintained in future years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24800/00]
The community employment, CE, programme was restructured during 1999, to take account of the fall in unemployment levels and to better target available places at older long-term unemployed persons. As part of this process and in consultation with the social partners a decision was taken to gradually reduce the numbers employed on CE. To ensure that the services provided under CE for disabled persons are not adversely affected by the restructuring of the programme these services are classified as a priority by FÁS and have been protected from the phased reductions imposed on other categories of projects such as in the environment and education sectors.
The short-term nature of CE participation, three years being the maximum term, is clearly not compatible with the needs of disabled persons. In this regard my Department is currently engaged in discussions with the Department of Health and Children on the possible mainstreaming of these services to that Department. The Department of Health and Children, which has primary responsibility for funding in this area, is supportive in principle of the proposal. The modalities involved are currently being considered by the two Departments in consultation with FÁS.
Proposals on the mainstreaming of CE services for disabled persons will be discussed with the social partners within the framework of the PPF standing committee on the labour market.
