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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 3

Written Answers. - Community Employment Schemes.

Noel Ahern

Question:

47 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the situation regarding changes in community employment schemes specifically in relation to schools; the special arrangements which will be made for schools in disadvantaged areas where there might be as many as 15 people on a community employment scheme; if community employment schemes will continue for the tasks not taken over by the Department of Education and Science; the way in which the local training plans will be replaced; if supervisors will be offered alternative employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20647/01]

In line with a commitment in the PPF, and following consultations with relevant Departments and the social partners certain essential services currently undertaken by participants on 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 are being prioritised at present in this regard.

As announced yesterday, the mainstreaming process in schools is now under way involving the transfer of 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. It is intended under the mainstreaming process that all schools, including those who have never benefited from CE funding, will receive additional funding. During a transition period some schools will receive the additional funding from the Department of Education and Science while still benefiting from the services of CE participants, as CE incumbents who opt to serve out their contracts will be facilitated in doing so. However, it should be noted that, as part of the mainstreaming process, CE participants will not be replaced in schools when their term has finished. Schools services will in future be solely the responsibility of the Department of Education and Science.

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. In implementing the change process, full account will be taken of the needs of individuals affected by the changeover.

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