Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 2

Written Answers. - Job Initiative.

Tony Gregory

Question:

149 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if concerns regarding the future of the local training initiatives have been brought to her attention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13453/02]

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

Concerns regarding the future of the community training programme have been brought to my attention. I am advised that FÁS also have had correspondence with some sponsors of local training initiatives and a senior official of FÁS has already met with concerned groups. FÁS will continue to interact with concerned groups involved in the CTP.

The community training programme, CTP, operated by FÁS incorporates activity previously undertaken as part of the community youth training programme, CYTP, and local training initiatives and has played a useful role in providing training for unemployed people, particularly in locations distant from FÁS training centres.

There has been a concern that many of the participants on this programme have not been from priority disadvantaged groups. To reflect priority needs, as identified in the FÁS statement of strategy 2002-2005, FÁS has decided to reduce the overall budget of the community training programme by 11% this year. This can be expected to lead to a gradual reduction in the number of individuals participating in the programme.

However, FÁS proposes to carry out a more fundamental review of the CTP, in consultation with the sponsors, participants, employers and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The review process will address the need for an examination of the operation and purpose of CTP in the current labour market. It is this review that will determine the overall role and direction of the CTP into the future.