Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 4

Written Answers - Community Employment Schemes.

Phil Hogan

Question:

116 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will review the decision of FÁS to reduce the number of places on community employment schemes in view of the damage being done to the viability of sporting, community and voluntary bodies nationally. [8184/03]

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

129 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of places currently available on community employment schemes; the number that will be available at the end of 2003; if she will reconsider the decision to reduce the number of places, especially having regard to the difficulties being created for many voluntary and community groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8126/03]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 129 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. The average participation rate on the programme during 2003 is expected to be in the region of 22,000. There are currently in the region of 23,682 participants on the programme and this number will reduce to a projected year-end participation rate of 20,000.

FÁS prioritises CE projects according to the types of services provided and levels of unemployment in the locality, and co-ordinates reductions in CE places so as to minimise any negative effects on groups and services most in need of the programme. Drugs task force activity and child care service provision are ring-fenced from any reductions and projects in RAPID areas are given priority. CE places in the health sector, which includes personal assistant services, are being maintained at existing levels to ensure continuity of the delivery of these services.

The Government is very much aware of the important contribution that CE has made to the development of services for local communities over the years and the difficulties which now arise for sponsor organisations in the voluntary and community sector due to the reduction in the level of funding available for the programme. 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 should be finalised shortly. 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.