Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2004
92 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if further cuts in the jobs initiative scheme are planned by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19255/04]
View answerThe average participation rate on job initiative in 2004 will be in the region of 2,100. The total funding allocation for employment schemes in 2004 has been fixed at €351 million, which is similar to the level of funding provided in 2003. This allocation will support up to 25,000 places across the three FÁS employment schemes: community employment, social economy and job initiative.
The number of places being funded is similar to the number of participants at year end 2003 and no reductions are planned on the overall participation levels on these schemes in 2004. FÁS has been given some flexibility in the management of its financial allocation for employment schemes in order to maximise progression to the labour market while at the same time facilitating the support of community services.
