Vol. 556 No. 3
151 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in view of her proposals to cutback the numbers in community employment schemes, she will give priority to employees of centres for independent living due to the importance of the services they provide to people with disabilities. [20064/02]
In accordance with the Government's decision in 1999 to restructure community employment (CE), participation levels are gradually being reduced reflecting the significant reduction in the numbers of the long-term unemployed, and the shift in emphasis away from work experience programmes to training, from which there is a greater level of progression to employment. The average participation rate on CE in 2002 is expected to be in the region of 28,000. The year-end participation rate is expected to be in the region of 25,000.
FÁS prioritises projects according to the types of services provided and levels of unemployment in the locality, and co-ordinates reductions so as to minimise any negative effects on groups and services most in need of CE. Drugs task force activity and child care service provision are ring-fenced from any reductions and projects in RAPID areas and in the health services area are given top priority. CE places in the health sector – which includes personal assistant services – are being maintained at the start of the year level to ensure continuity of the delivery of these services.
FÁS is currently undertaking an internal review of CE, and the PPF mandated review of active labour market programmes is also being progressed under the aegis of the Standing Committee on the Labour Market, chaired by my Department. In addition, a cross-departmental senior officials group has been asked to consider options for the future of CE taking account of the link with the provision of community services.
The outcome of these various initiatives will inform the Government's consideration of options for the future of CE as will the outcome of Government consideration of the 2003 Estimates.
