Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 3

Written Answers. - Employment Support Services.

Dan Boyle

Question:

87 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status the job initiative programme currently has; the amount of funding which remains in place for this programme; and the number of participants who remain on this programme. [4193/03]

Dan Boyle

Question:

88 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which the high support employment programme is meant to assist current participants of the job initiative programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4194/03]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 88 together.

The job initiative programme is a work experience programme for persons who have been unemployed for five years or over. The fundamental objective of the programme is to prepare participants to progress into mainstream jobs. Funding of €46 million has been provided for the programme in 2003 which will provide for an average participation rate in the region of 2,490. There were 2,525 participants on JI in January 2003.

Phase 1 and phase 2 participants of JI who are now on their fifth and sixth year, together with people referred to FÁS under the national employment action plan, will be targeted by the new high supports process which is being piloted in ten areas country-wide. This new process is designed to provide a flexible response for persons experiencing barriers in progressing from unemployment to employment in the open labour market, and will be based on the individual needs of clients with the support of a fund of up to a maximum of €2,200 per person. The new high supports process aims to maximise progression into the open labour market of those being supported.

FÁS is currently carrying out an internal review of the community employment and JI programmes which should be finalised shortly. This review will consider the future operation of these programmes in the provision of labour market services for the long-term unemployed and other disadvantaged persons. In addition, the PPF mandated review of active labour market programmes is currently being progressed under the aegis of the Standing Committee on the Labour Market, chaired by my Department. The future policy direction of JI and other active labour market programmes will be further informed by the outcome of this process.