Jack Wall
Question:81 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will investigate the proposals for the social economy programme guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4181/01]
Written Answers. - Social Economy Programme.
The framework for the Social Economy Programme, which was agreed by the Social Economy Monitoring Committee, sets out the objectives of the programme, eligibility criteria, the links between the national and local structures of the programme and formalises and defines the working relationships, roles and responsibilities of the different actors at local level.
Particulars of the eligibility criteria, including a provision that allows for up to 10% of the total number of grant-aided persons to be exempt from the normal eligibility criteria, are set out in annex 2 of the framework document.
The over 35 years age limit for participation by long-term unemployed arose from the recommendation of the Partnership 2000 Group Report on the Social Economy, to allow for a phased reduction of the numbers on the community employment programme and to transfer funding from it into the social economy programme.
The over 35 years age limit does not apply in the case of Travellers and disabled persons who meet the criteria set out in annex 2 of the framework document. The programme was launched in September 2000 and is now in its first full year of operation. It is not intended that the eligibility criteria for grant-aiding employees of the programme be amended at this stage. The national monitoring committee will monitor progress made by the programme including the take up by eligible participants on an ongoing basis.