Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 4

Written Answers. - Community Employment Schemes.

Bernard Allen

Question:

128 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the precise target reduction in numbers of participants she is seeking as a result of the review of community employment schemes; and the timeframe for the implementation of the reform she has planned. [23480/03]

Bernard Allen

Question:

129 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the widespread disruption of community projects, especially in disadvantaged areas, that has happened as a result of the reduction in numbers of those participating in community employment schemes; and if she is considering changes which will allow those over 50 years of age to continue to be involved in those schemes. [23481/03]

Bernard Allen

Question:

130 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the outcome of initiatives further to her statement made on 2 July 2003, that she is carrying out a number of initiatives regarding community employment schemes and that they would be concluded by autumn 2003. [23484/03]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 to 130, inclusive, together.

The average participation rate on the community employment, CE, programme is expected to be in the region of 22,500 during 2003 with a projected year-end participation rate of 20,000. The allocation of places and renewal of individual projects is a matter for FÁS. Projects are prioritised based on the services provided. 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 CE programme is currently under review. An overall appraisal of active labour market programmes is being carried out under the aegis of the standing committee on the labour market, which is chaired by my Department. 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. FÁS is also currently completing an internal review of CE and the job initiative programme, JI, which is well advanced and should be finalised shortly. A decision on the future participation levels on CE and JI will be taken in the context of the Estimates provision for 2004, having regard to the outcome of the current review process, which is now nearing completion. The position of older workers, who may have difficulty progressing to employment and the appropriate timeframe for implementation of any changes, will be considered in the course of the review.