Vol. 541 No. 4
192 Mr. Dennehy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of people employed on community employment schemes; her views on the continued development of this programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23158/01]
There are currently in the region of 31,500 participants on community employment schemes – CE. Following a restructuring of the programme approved by the Government in 1999, participation levels are gradually being reduced to 28,000 by the end of 2003 as part of a phased reduction reflecting the falling numbers of the long-term unemployed. The mainstreaming of schools services currently under way and the proposed mainstreaming of other essential services, including health and environmental sectors, will further reduce the numbers employed on the programme. Mainstreaming of CE services will provide new employment opportunities for CE participants and other long-term unemployed persons.
A small number of individuals continue to experience difficulties in getting jobs following their participation on CE due to barriers such as age, health, literacy, numeracy or a lack of suitable jobs locally. In recognition of this, I have also recently introduced greater flexibility with regard to such participants, particularly in the case of older workers. FÁS now has discretion to offer a further period on the programme on a case by case basis for these participants.
Discussions on an overall review of active labour market programmes, as provided under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, will take place with the social partners in the near future. The future policy direction of CE will be informed by the outcome of this process.
