Róisín Shortall
Question:135 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons participating in the jobs initiatives scheme; and her intentions for the future of this scheme. [28192/01]
Written Answers. - Job Initiative.
The job initiative programme, JI, is an active labour market programme for persons unemployed for five years or longer and over 35 years of age. There were 2,736 persons participating on JI at the start of November 2001.
The programme was introduced on a pilot basis in 1996-1997 with 1,000 places available in phase 1. The maximum number of places available on the programme has remained constant since 1999 at 2,875 per annum and will remain at this level for the foreseeable future. The primary objective of JI is to assist long-term unemployed persons to prepare for work opportunities available in the open labour market.
As provided under the programme for prosperity and fairness, an overall review of active labour market programmes is to be undertaken and discussions in this regard have recently commenced with the social partners represented on the Standing Committee on the Labour Market. The future policy direction of programmes such as JI will be informed by the outcome of this process.