asked the Minister for the Environment if provision can be made to transfer moneys from his Department to local authorities under an amenity works scheme whereby unemployment assistance recipients can be employed in local work programmes.
Written Answers. - Environmental Improvement Schemes Programme.
356.
I assume that the question relates to the environmental improvement schemes programme for which grants are allocated to local authorities by my Department. The selection and execution of works under the programme are the responsibility of the local authorities subject to compliance with certain guidelines. A basic aim of the programme is to promote youth employment and it is a condition therefore that at least three out of every four persons employed should be under 25 years of age.
Local authorities have been advised to consult the National Manpower Service of the Department of Labour in regard to the availability of young persons for employment in different areas. Persons in receipt of unemployment assistance may be employed under the programme but other relevant circumstances are also taken into account.