Vol. 572 No. 3
181 Mr. Cregan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she expects the review of the community employment schemes to be completed; if it is her intention to ensure continuous employment on community employment schemes for persons with disabilities and persons who are over 55 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22929/03]
191 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proposals being put to Cabinet or which will shortly be put to Cabinet regarding a workable replacement for community employment schemes as outlined in the community employment and community services report to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion. [23232/03]
192 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an analysis has been carried out regarding the locations in which community employment places have been lost, to see if there is a discrepancy between areas; and if it is intended to carry out such analysis. [23233/03]
193 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the consultation which has been made with groups in Neilstown, Rowlagh, Quarryvale, Ronanstown, Bawnogue, Clondalkin, Lucan, Saggart, Rathcoole, Newcastle, Brittas and Palmerstown regarding a replacement for community employment schemes; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that community groups feel there was inadequate consultation; the consultation which will take place in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23234/03]
194 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there is a transitional arrangement proposed between the end of the community employment schemes and the beginning of rumoured new non-FÁS related community schemes; if the expertise of FÁS will be leveraged during such a transitional period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23235/03]
195 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are plans to review the budget of FÁS or its successor in relation to community employment schemes and other community schemes due to the inadequacies of the current situation whereby an annual budget for 2003 is only made available in June, affecting many community schemes which had to close or cut back due to lack of clarity on funding. [23252/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 191 to 195, inclusive, together.
The community employment, CE, programme is currently under review. An overall appraisal of active labour market programmes, including CE, is being carried out under the aegis of the standing committee on the labour market, which is chaired by my Department. This process involves consultation with the social partners, Government Departments and FÁS. In addition, 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. The work of this group is well advanced. FÁS is also currently completing an internal review of CE and the jobs initiative programme, JI. A decision on the future funding and structure of CE and JI, including matters relating to the participation of disadvantaged groups such as persons with disabilities and older workers, will be taken in the context of the Estimates provision for 2004, having regard to the outcome of the current review process.
The provision of funding for CE for 2003 is €274 million, which will provide for a year-end participation rate of 20,000 places. FÁS is attempting to allocate CE resources to individual projects and within regions as equitably as possible. Projects are prioritised based on the services provided. Drugs task force activity and childcare 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. A reduction in CE places of 20% on average around the country is being implemented by FÁS. However, the prioritisation of the essential services outlined will result in some locations taking a reduction in places above the average level.
Over the past year, I have personally met with many public representatives and community groups from around the country. More formal consultation with the social partners is ongoing through the standing committee on the labour market and in other fora and I would expect this to continue for the foreseeable future.
