Vol. 539 No. 3
94 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position of supervisors arising from the transfer of the jobs initiative scheme to the Department of Education and Science; the timescale involved; if she will meet a delegation from the Combined Communities Supervisors Network to discuss its concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19396/01]
I would like to clarify that there are no proposals to mainstream job initiative positions and currently there are no supervisor positions funded by FÁS on the JI programme.
Proposals with regard to the mainstreaming of community employment, schools services are being finalised and I intend to begin the mainstreaming process and to transfer 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 in September next.
A limited number of supervisors are engaged solely in schools related projects and may become redundant over time as a direct result of the mainstreaming of schools services. In general, the number of supervisors required on the CE programme will reduce in line with the reductions in participation levels on the programme.
Where possible, supervisors who may be affected by the mainstreaming of schools services will be accommodated on other projects as vacancies arise. In addition, some social economy projects are likely to be in a position to offer employment when they are fully operational. It is also important to note that supervisors are continually leaving the programme to avail of the opportunities that present themselves in the open labour market.
My Department has met groups of supervisors and their tradesunion representatives to discuss their concerns around the mainstreaming of CE services and we will continue to update key stakeholders on developments. In implementing the change process, full account will be taken of the needs of individuals affected by the changeover.
