FÁS continues to deliver the 1,000 ring fenced drugs rehabilitation places through dedicated places on special drugs rehabilitation CE projects. Within the current very difficult budgetary constraints, the number of places on CE has been increased to 23,300 in 2010. In delivering these places, FÁS will continue to operate flexibility in the management of this allocation in order to maximise progression to the labour market, while at the same time facilitating the support of community services.
The aim of CE remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment and/or further education and training. The programme is managed within this context, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community.