asked the Minister for Labour the present position regarding the implementation of the proposed community youth programme.
12.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Community Youth Programme.
11.
Mr. Kitt
Mr. Kitt
asked the Minister for Labour if unemployed apprentices will be facilitated in the proposed community youth programme.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 12 together.
The community youth training project programme was set up to provide training for unemployed school leavers and young persons in community projects. As such AnCO are working in close co-operation with local community organisations who are to supply materials and equipment.
To date four pilot projects confined to the eastern region have been completed successfully, and about 50 further projects involving 350 young persons have been proposed to AnCO. The general objective which we are working towards is the employment of 1,000 young persons by this scheme. AnCO plan to engage as many unemployed apprentices as possible on these projects.
Mr. Kitt
Would the Minister state the various types of projects which will be undertaken in this programme? Will he state further if any particular projects have been decided upon?
The projects will not be confined to any particular type. They will be projects of such a type that will provide benefit to the community wherein they are carried out. They will be able to provide training for young people engaged in them. They will have to satisfy the criterion that they will not compete with normal employment in the area. It will be a requirement also that materials required for the work will be provided by the community organisation. Therefore, there is no hard and fast rule as to what particular type of project will qualify. It will depend on those general criteria.
Mr. Kitt
Could the Minister say where those four pilot schemes are situated?
The pilot schemes are taking place in Dublin, Dún Laoghaire, Dundalk and Drogheda. The benefits derived by the individual participants and by the sponsors of the scheme have been such that it is now planned to continue with the programme and to extend it to all areas during the year.