Vol. 577 No. 5
42 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress to date in regard to the implementation of the RAPID programme for Athy; the amount of moneys made available for the implementation of the programme from her Department for Athy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31752/03]
My Department's contribution to the RAPID programme has been delivered mainly through the prioritisation of existing FÁS programmes funded from the 2003 budget. Support provided by FÁS has been through FÁS community services where the community employment programme is the major element, where RAPID areas continue to be prioritised, FÁS employment services, the local employment service and FÁS training services.
Athy is included in strand 2 of the RAPID programme, which was launched in February 2002, to target 20 provincial towns in rural areas. However, to date no application for funding has been received by the Department or FÁS in respect of a RAPID programme in the area.
I am aware that FÁS representatives met with the Deputy in late November this year, and discussed a multi-agency initiative for older unemployed men in the Athy area. Within the RAPID area implementation team structure, FÁS will table such an initiative with relevant agencies, for consideration. RAPID as a concept is to cordinate the functions of different agencies. It has not attracted funding per se.
