asked the Minister for Labour the financial allocation in 1988 for the social employment scheme; the extent to which this budget has now been taken up; and the number of proposals deferred due to being over budget; the additional money needed to sanction these schemes, allowing for existing schemes that will end during the current year; and if he will allocate the funds needed.
Written Answers. - Social Employment Scheme Expenditure.
127.
A sum of £43.41 million has been allocated for the social employment scheme in 1988. £39.130 million is being provided by the Exchequer, the balance coming from the European Social Fund.
As in previous years, there continues to be an enormous response from sponsors in all parts of the country who are willing to undertake new projects and consequently regional participation quotas continue in operation in 1988.
There are 12,449 participants on the social employment scheme at week ending 10 June 1988. In order to remain within the budget provided it is necessary to restrict the numbers of new participants entering the scheme.
Consequently, both new projects and extensions and individual participants may only commence when sufficient numbers of current participants complete their term of employment under the scheme.
I am examining the position urgently to see if any action can be taken to increase funds available to the social employment scheme.