Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2004
68 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress of the social economy programme; the number of persons in the programme for the years 2000 to 2004 inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13768/04]
View answerThe Social Economy Programme, SEP, was launched in September 2000 with a view to generating 2,500 jobs for the long-term unemployed and other disadvantaged people. The number of people supported by the SEP for the years 2000 to 2004 inclusive are:
|
Year |
Numbers |
|
2000 |
0 |
|
2001 |
101 |
|
2002 |
1,889 |
|
2003 |
2,370 |
|
2004 |
2,374 (as at 7 May 2004) |
The programme is funded by FÁS from its employment programme budget. A total allocation of €351 million is being provided in 2004 to support up to 25,000 places across the three FÁS employment schemes — community employment, job initiative and the social economy programme. Of this, over €40 million is earmarked for the SEP. This compares with funding of €6.6 million in 2001, €20.5 million in 2002 and €36 million in 2003. A review of the SEP was undertaken and is being considered at present by FÁS and the Department. The review will inform the future direction of the programme.
