Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 6

Written Answers. - Community Employment Schemes.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

78 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans in place to ensure the protection of community employment scheme jobs for the disabled and of community employment schemes which support disability services; if it is intended to mainstream these health related schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23086/02]

Dan Boyle

Question:

79 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which the areas in which jobs currently being provided under the FÁS community employment scheme are to be mainstreamed in the health service. [23166/02]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Fahey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 79 together.

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.

FÁS prioritises 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 child care service provision are ring-fenced and projects in RAPID areas are given top priority. 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. The Department of Health and Children, in conjunction with the health boards executive, HeBE, is currently examining the position regarding the mainstreaming of health related services and a decision on mainstreaming will be made in the near future.

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 the CE programme.