I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, to take this Adjournment matter on an issue which is very important to the people of County Longford. The motion relates to the community employment scheme to maintain Longford County Council's burial grounds under a cemetery maintenance programme. The council has applied to FÁS for a community employment scheme to replace the Longford jobs initiative scheme, which has been running for the last year, to maintain the council burial grounds. Employment for eight persons was granted, whereas an application was made for four times that number to maintain more than 50 cemeteries in the county.
Regrettably, FÁS, the State training and employment authority, is not in a position to fund the Longford jobs initiative scheme. As an alternative to this scheme, Longford County Council has applied to FÁS for a community employment scheme. Unfortunately, while the opportunity to apply for such a scheme is broadly welcome, the scheme, as granted by FÁS, will not enable the council to provide the same level of service to burial grounds as heretofore.
The Longford jobs initiative scheme provided valuable training for its participants and much needed support for local communities in improving and maintaining local burial grounds. I take this opportunity to thank those involved in running the jobs initiative scheme for their wonderful work in the past and for their respect for our deceased. Their efforts not only impacted on Longford people but aided tourists and those seeking their roots to avail of safe and well-tended cemeteries.
Longford County Council has a limited budget available for financial support for community groups. I ask the Minister of State to ensure that the maximum level of funding is available to the council to set up and finance a cemetery maintenance programme in Longford. Longford has the lowest base in the country and some 7% of our funding is derived from rates. Longford County Council depends on capital grants from the Department for the funding of services. The eight jobs granted will make it impossible for a successful scheme to operate. Last year's level was the minimum required to continue this valuable service. Some 18 people were employed at that time and they did a good job. That level of service must be maintained for the benefit of the community.
The stipulation regarding the over 55s is gone and the Minister of State might clarify the situation with regard to the three-year rule. Are people still excluded after three years? I hope the Minister of State will respond favourably and that I can bring good news home to Longford.