The job initiative programme, JI, is an active labour market programme for persons unemployed for five years or longer and over 35 years of age. The primary objective of JI is to assist long-term unemployed persons to prepare for work opportunities available in the open labour market.
Participants contracts finish and individuals are replaced on JI on an ongoing basis. New participants are taken on based on the identified needs of the project and the priority of the service provided, and subject to an overall limit on funding and availability of places. 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 and the target year-end participation rate is 2,200.