Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 December 2004
165 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his speech on 10 November 2004, in which he stated that there will be no compulsory cessation of social economy programmes, means that programmes which terminated within the past number of months may be extended. [31663/04]
View answer166 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has given directions to FÁS on to social economy schemes in view of his speech of 10 November 2004 indicating that there will be no compulsory cessation of such schemes. [31664/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.
FÁS has been informed of my decision on the operation of the social economy programme, which plays a very valuable role in communities throughout the country. Where prior to this decision it was agreed that it was not practical or feasible to continue to support an enterprise, it is not intended to reintroduce funding under the social economy programme. In cases where a social economy programme enterprise has provided a valuable service, FÁS will support this service through community employment.
