Written Answers. - FÁS Schemes.
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:
59
Mr. McGinley
asked the
Minister for Enterprise and Employment
when the last evaluation of the success of those who participate in FÁS schemes was carried out; whether he has satisfied himself with the way it was carried out and with the results; and if he will make the results available to Dáil Éireann.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:
137
Mr. R. Bruton
asked the
Minister for Enterprise and Employment
if he has satisfied himself with the present evaluation of FÁS schemes and the effectiveness of these programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Oral Question No. 59 and Written Question No. 137 together.
FÁS operates a number of employment schemes namely the social employment scheme, the community employment development programme, the enterprise scheme, teamwork and the employment incentive scheme. Each of these schemes has its own objective and is targeted on a particular category of unemployed persons.
The largest scheme operated by FÁS is the social employment scheme, community employment development programme which is designed to provide part time opportunities for persons who are long term unemployed. Currently there are around 20,500 persons participating.
The scheme is kept under review and changes made as necessary. The scheme as it operates in the disadvantaged areas was adapted last year to provide a training element for participants and to allow retention of secondary benefits by participants. The extension of the revised scheme throughout the country is currently under consideration. A formal evaluation of the scheme has not been carried out but I am satisfied that the scheme provides worthwhile opportunities for persons who are long term unemployed on projects which are of benefit to the local community.
Teamwork is a community managed scheme designed to help local voluntary organisations provide temporary community based employment for the mutual benefit of young people and their communities. Around 840 young people are currently participating. The scheme has not been formally evaluated but its success can be judged from the fact that the demand considerably exceeds the available resources.
The employment incentive scheme was evaluated by the ESRI in 1989. Following the evaluation the focus of the scheme was changed to encourage the recruitment by employers of particular categories of unemployed persons. As such, the scheme has a social rather than economic focus.
The enterprise scheme was also the subject of an ESRI evaluation when it was included in a study on Self Employment and the Unemployed in 1988. The only change made to the scheme following the evaluation was to provide payment of the enterprise allowance over 40 rather than 52 weeks so as to give greater assistance at the start up phase of the enterprise.
I would like to assure the Deputy that all FÁS schemes are kept under ongoing review by my Department and FÁS and will be adapted if and when circumstances demand or allow.
