Vol. 539 No. 1
90 Mr. P. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she is in a position to clarify a suggestion that her Department proposes to discontinue a community employment school service; if this service is to be delivered through the Department of Education and Science; if projects in the health area will be taken over by the Department of Health and Children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18927/01]
In line with a commitment in the PPF, and following consultations with relevant Government Departments and the social partners certain essential services currently undertaken by participants on the Community Employment Programme (CE) will be mainstreamed. This process involves the transfer of CE funding for specific services to other Departments with functional responsibility for the services in question. Services in the schools sector and in the health sector are being prioritised at present in this regard.
Mainstreaming will take place on a phased basis having regard to the suitability for mainstreaming of the service being provided, and with due regard to an individual's participation entitlements on CE. Mainstreaming should enhance the services being provided and provide valuable employment opportunities.
I intend to initiate the mainstreaming process by transferring CE funding freed up by the reduction in CE positions in schools to the Department of Education and Science in time for the new school year beginning in September next.
