Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 December 2004
163 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress to date in regard to the implementation of the RAPID programme for Athy; the amount of moneys made available for the implementation of the programme from his Department for Athy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33703/04]
View answerResponsibility for the implementation of the RAPID programme resides with the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. My Department's contribution to the RAPID programme is being delivered by FÁS through its various programmes. These comprise FÁS community services where the community employment programme is the major element and where RAPID areas continue to be prioritised; FÁS employment services; the local employment service and FÁS training services.
I am informed by FÁS that the following moneys were made available to support a range of services including training and employment initiatives for the unemployed:
Support services for the unemployed
€150,000 for a local employment services office catering for 150 persons.
€78,400 to a jobs club providing job-seeking services for approximately 120 persons.
The total cost for the local employment service office and the jobs club is €228,400.
Employment Programmes
Four community employment projects, employing 84 persons in Athy at an annual cost of €98,400.
One job initiative project, employing 27 persons at an annual cost of €520,000.
The total cost of community employment projects and job initiative is €618,400.
Training Programmes
Athy Travellers training programme, providing training opportunities for 18 persons at an annual cost of €150,000.
Athy technology training programme, providing training opportunities for 12 persons at an annual cost of €152,000.
Action for employment programme for 12 persons at an annual cost of €26,000. The caring provider programme for 20 persons at an annual cost of €120,000.
The total cost of these programmes is €448,000. In total FÁS funding in the Athy RAPID area for services to the unemployed, including employment and training programmes in 2004 amounts to €1,294,800.
