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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Job Initiative.

Finian McGrath

Question:

246 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the Job Initiative cuts; and the future of these people affected by this initiative. [19797/03]

Michael Ring

Question:

250 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the locations for the pilot high support schemes for unemployed people; and the way in which the pilot areas are working. [20037/03]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 250 together.

The job initiative, JI, programme is a work experience programme for persons who have been unemployed for five years or longer. The fundamental objective of the programme is to prepare participants to progress into mainstream jobs. Funding of €45 million has been provided for the programme in 2003 which will provide for an average participation rate in the region of 2,466 and a year-end participation rate of 2,200. Overall, there will be a reduction of 325 places phased in during 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, are being targeted by the new high supports process which is being piloted in nine areas countrywide. The areas in question are Dublin, Cork, Letterkenny, Galway, Limerick, Dundalk, Sligo and Waterford. 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 high supports process aims to maximise progression into the open labour market of those being supported. Significant progress has been made in the implementation of the high supports process. Each region has put in place a multi-agency team with representatives from a range of organisations, including, where appropriate, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Department of Education and Science, health boards and FÁS. A budget has been allocated to each region based on the numbers identified in their area. Interaction is taking place with clients in all areas and referrals to appropriate services are being made on an ongoing basis.

A number of participants on the JI programme, which was designed as a three-year programme, continue to have difficulty progressing from the programme to employment. A review of active labour market programmes is being undertaken by the standing committee on the labour market and in the context of this review, consideration is being given to addressing the needs of a small number of these participants who are unlikely to find employment, even with the new supports now being provided.

Questions Nos. 247 and 248 answered with Question No. 229.
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