Community Employment Schemes.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2004

Tuesday, 17 February 2004

Questions (114)

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

199 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of participants in community employment in County Kerry; the number of participants at the end of the years 2001, 2002 and 2003; the reasons for the reduction in the number of participants in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4828/04]

Written answers

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

The allocation of community employment places on a county-by-county basis is a matter for FÁS and I have no function in the matter. In accordance with the Government's decision in 1999 to restructure community employment, participation levels have gradually been reduced in line with reductions in long-term unemployment and a strategic shift in policy in favour of training and other more appropriate supports.

Year-end participation levels on CE for the past three years are as follows:

Year	Year-end places
2001	30,809
2002	24,991
2003	19,848

No further reduction in participation levels is targeted in 2004.