Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 31 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 2

Written Answers. - Community Employment Schemes.

Gerry Reynolds

Question:

67 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she received a report on community employment schemes from the Leitrim Community Network; if she will implement the recommendations made in this report in February 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2932/02]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

I received a report on the operation of the community employment programme in rural areas, drawn up by the Leitrim Community Network, in December 2001. This report was compiled in August 2001 and many of the constructive recommendations and proposals contained in it have already been addressed by the new flexibility arrangements in the operation of CE, which I introduced last year. Following this, FÁS now has discretion to extend an individual's term on CE on a case by case basis, within limits, having regard to that individual's needs and future employment prospects.

My Department will, in the context of the current overall restructuring of the programme, continue to keep the future operation of CE under review with reference to its primary role as an active labour market programme to assist participants to progress into jobs and/or further education and training. In this regard, as provided for under the PPF, an overall review of active labour market programmes will be undertaken by my Department in the near future under the aegis of the PPF standing committee on the labour market. The future policy direction of CE will be informed by the outcome of this process.

The development of a high supports process, as envisaged under the PPF, was concluded at the end of December 2001 following extensive con sultations with the social partners under the aegis of the PPF standing committee on the labour market chaired by my Department. This process, which also has employment policy implications for people in rural areas, is intended to target and provide appropriate supports for those people, who because of age, literacy or other barriers are unlikely to succeed in getting, and keeping a job in the open labour market. I expect to be in a position to take a decision on the high supports process in the near future, following agreement on certain operational issues between my Department, FÁS, the employment service and the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.