Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 6

Written Answers. - FÁS Training Programmes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

52 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which training, SES, or similar training, work experience or educational places funded by her Department are likely to be reduced in 2003; the reason or reasons for such reductions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25101/02]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

78 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of job training or SES places by which FÁS is likely to be forced to reduce its programme in 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25265/02]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 78 together.

In deciding on the 2003 allocations for labour force development and related areas, difficult choices had to be made given the changed economic environment in which Ireland is operating. However, the Government was conscious of the need to maximise, within the current constraints on public expenditure, investment in measures that have a primary focus on employability. These include the provision of training and employment supports for the disabled and for those experiencing difficulty in entering the labour market.

The allocation for 2003 to FÁS employment programmes, which includes community employment, CE, is set at almost €365 million, as against €413.4 million in 2002. The 2003 allocation will support an average CE participation level of around 22,000 throughout next year with a closing participation rate of about 20,000. This reduction of approximately 5,000 on the end 2002 participation level is in line with Government policy to reduce CE numbers in recognition of the significant reduction of long-term unemployed. Over €30 million is being made available for the social economy programme, an increase from €20.55 million in 2002. This will be sufficient to fund commitments to the projects approved to date but will not allow for the approval of new projects in 2003. The job initiative programme will have an average participation level of around 2,500 throughout the year with an end of year participation level of about 2,200. The end 2002 participation level is expected to be in the order of 2,800.

FÁS training and integration supports programme is funded by a combination of Exchequer and NTF finance. In 2003 the direct Exchequer contribution of €73,518 million is complemented by a €225.055 million contribution from the national training fund, bringing the overall investment in FÁS training initiatives to €295.573 million. This compares to €301.018 million in 2002 which means that overall investment in this area is being maintained at close to 2002 levels. This will result in some reduction in training places in 2003. FÁS will prioritise, in so far as possible, the training and employment supports for the disabled within their overall allocations.

The board of FÁS, taking account of Government policy guidelines, will decide on the detailed priorities and breakdown of funding between schemes and activities from within these overall allocations.

The allocations in 2002 for FÁS training and integration supports programme and its employment programmes have not been reduced. FÁS estimates that the outturn for the year will be broadly in line with forecasted activity levels.