Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 6

Written Answers. - Community Employment Schemes.

Joan Burton

Question:

17 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the serious concern expressed regarding the implications for many community and voluntary services of the cut of 5,000 community employment places, arising from the estimates for 2003; if, in view of these concerns, she will reconsider the cutbacks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24857/02]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

65 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the future of community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24900/02]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 65 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.

I consider the reduction of the order of 5,000 in the participation rate on CE in 2003 to be appropriate in the context of the current tight budgetary position, and the continuing low level of long-term unemployment, currently in the region of 21,800 persons or 1.2% of the labour force. Persons on the Live Register are a key target group of the programme in addition to lone parents, persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups.

The Government is very much aware of the important contribution CE has made to the development of services for local communities over the years. In this context 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. In addition, the PPF mandated review of active labour market programmes is being progressed under the aegis of the Standing Committee on the Labour Market, chaired by my Department. FÁS is also currently undertaking an internal review of CE and the Job Initiative programme, which will include an assessment of the role of the programmes in regard to provision of community services.

The outcome of these various initiatives will inform the Government's consideration of options for the future delivery of community services and appropriate levels of CE for the future.