Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 2

Written Answers - FÁS Training Programmes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

186 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the Government Department which has responsibility for funding the various FÁS schemes throughout the country; if adequate funding has been approved to facilitate ongoing schemes in the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7546/03]

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

A total of €814.2 million has been provided to FÁS by my Department in 2003. Of this, €366.9 million is allocated to employment programmes and €296.6 million to training and integration supports. In deciding the 2003 allocations the Government was conscious of the need to maximise within the current constraints of public expenditure, investment in measures that have a primary focus in employability.

The allocation of €367 million to employment programmes is consistent with the Government decision to restructure community employment. 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.

Overall investment in training schemes in 2003 is being maintained very close to the 2002 levels at €297 million. The breakdown of the funding between regions and schemes is a day-to-day matter for the board of FÁS, within the overall policy guidelines set by my Department.