Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
317 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will allow persons with disabilities to remain on FÁS schemes for unlimited periods; his plans in this regard in order that persons with disabilities can remain on the schemes indefinitely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30982/04]
View answerI announced recently that the three-year cap on participation on community employment was removed for persons aged 55 years or over with effect from 10 November 2004. This arrangement will benefit substantially persons with disabilities who may now extend their time on the programme for a period of six years.
I am informed by FÁS that this extension will immediately benefit 948 persons with disabilities on CE and an additional 618 such persons should benefit over the next five years. The extended time on CE will allow for greater development of the individuals concerned and will help to secure the continuity of community services generally.
318 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he intends to increase the grant being awarded for persons involved on community employment schemes to recognise the increase of costs such as insurance and so on; the rate of the award; when it was last increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31014/04]
View answerI am informed that FÁS is currently examining the level of materials allowance paid on community employment. A materials grant of €15.30 per person per week is payable to sponsors of community employment projects. This allowance has been paid since April 1994 and amounts to an average payment of €11,700 per project on an annual basis. In the current year this amounts to €16 million for all CE projects.
