Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 4

Written Answers - Job Initiative.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

167 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her Department's policy with regard to the replacement of workers on the jobs initiative scheme; the circumstances in which such workers can be replaced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8164/03]

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.

The national employment service is available to assist JI participants and other unemployed persons progress to employment in the open labour market or further education or training opportunities, as they finish their term on the programme. In addition, the new high supports process, which was recently launched on a pilot basis in ten locations countrywide, will provide appropriate supports to meet the needs of those people, who because of age, literacy or other barriers are unlikely to succeed in getting, and keeping a job in the open labour market. The high supports process will build on the existing guidance and counselling services provided under the dual stranded national employment service to help people to become job ready.
In addition, the PPF mandated review of active labour market programmes, including JI, is currently in progress under the aegis of the Standing Committee on the Labour Market. This committee includes representatives of the community pillar, employers and trade unions, as well as certain Government Departments and FÁS. A key element of the review of ALMPs will be towards reorienting ALMPs more closely in the future to meet the needs of disadvantaged groups.
Top
Share