Vol. 531 No. 1
57 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her response to the issues raised by the combined community supervisory network in regard to classroom assistants (details supplied). [5072/01]
In the context of the commitment under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness – PPF – and the Government's decision in 1999 to restructure community employment – CE – my Department is currently finalising discussions with FÁS and the Department of Education and Science aimed at transferring CE funding on schools schemes to that Department. Following the proposed mainstreaming of CE schools services and the associated funding, and allowing for an appropriate transition period, CE services to schools will be discontinued.
Under the proposed new arrangements school management will have increased flexibility regarding the retention and employment of staff. It is not possible at this stage to give a reliable estimate of the number or type of positions which will be created in schools as a result of the transfer of funding as this will depend on the increased level of resources available and the identified needs of the individual schools.
When arrangements for the mainstreaming of CE schools services have been finalised the process will be managed by the Department of Education and Science and FÁS. In implementing the change process, full account will be taken of the needs of individuals affected by the changeover.
