asked the Minister for Labour if he will provide an indication of the role of the Government's social employment scheme since it began its operations with particular reference to job creation in County Limerick; and the extent to which aid from the EC is being used to support the social employment scheme.
Written Answers. - Social Employment Scheme.
196.
The social employment scheme which was launched in February, 1985 is aimed at helping the large number of productive and energetic people over 25 who have been unemployed for an extended period to make their contributions to social and community development. Since the first projects under the scheme commenced operation in May 1985 over 5,400 positions have been filled in 1,373 projects under SES.
The response from among the ranks of the long term unemployed, at whom the scheme is aimed, has been heartening. The large numbers who have indicated their wish to participate in the scheme and make a contribution to environmental, cultural and social development in their communities, has ensured its success. In each of the last three months over 1,000 persons have taken up employment under the scheme.
It is not possible at present to give details of employment under the scheme in County Limerick as statistics are compiled on a regional basis only. However, in the mid-west region of the National Manpower Service which encompasses Counties Limerick, Clare and Tipperary (North Riding), 407 persons are employed on 110 projects at present. The social employment scheme qualifies for assistance from the European Social Fund at a rate of £13.20 per participant per week.