Vol. 556 No. 5
84 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her policy and targets in relation to cut-backs on community employment schemes; the discussions she has had with other Government agencies regarding the mainstreaming of essential projects and services; her policy in relation to assisting community employment participants whose projects are being wound up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21011/02]
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, with a projected year-end participation rate of 25,000.
The mainstreaming of schools services, which commenced in 2001, is ongoing and discussions have taken place with the Department of Health and Children, health boards, FÁS and my Department with regard to the possible mainstreaming of CE health services. CE places in the health sector are being maintained at the start of the year level to ensure continuity of the delivery of these services.
FÁS prioritise projects according to the types of services provided and levels of unemployment in the locality, and co-ordinate reductions so as to minimise any negative effects on groups and services most in need of CE. Drugs task force activity and childcare service provision are ring-fenced from any reductions and projects in RAPID areas area are given top priority.
The National Employment Service is available to assist CE participants and other unemployed persons progress to employment in the open labour market or further education or training opportunities, as they finish their term on the programme. In addition, the new high supports process, which will be launched on a pilot basis in the near future, will provide appropriate supports to meet the needs of 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. The high supports process will build on the existing guidance and counselling services provided under the dual stranded National Employment Service to help people to become job ready.
