I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 106 together.
Community employment, CE, is a work experience programme whose primary role is to assist the progression of participants into jobs and-or further education and training. FÁS has operational responsibility for the delivery of the programme which has currently approximately 33,500 participants.
Following the Government decision in July 1999 to restructure the programme the numbers employed on CE are reducing to 28,000 by the end of 2003. The reduction in absolute numbers participating, together with the changed eligibility criteria, are considered to be appropriate given the current economic climate and buoyancy in employment projections.
Consultations with relevant Departments are currently taking place in order to progress the mainstreaming of essential services currently undertaken by participants on the CE programme. The mainstreaming of these services should enhance the services being provided and provide employment opportunities for the long-term unemployed. The mainstreaming of CE services will further reduce participation levels.
Discussions with the Department of Education and Science with regard to schools services are at an advanced stage and I intend to begin the mainstreaming process and to transfer CE funding freed up by the reduction in CE positions in schools to that Department in time for the new school year in September next.