Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 1 Mar 1994

Vol. 439 No. 5

Written Answers. - Community Employment Programme.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

92 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the extent of input in terms of placings which Údarás na Gaeltachta will have in the new FÁS community employment programme which is beginning in March 1994; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in many Gaeltacht areas of the country it will not be possible under the terms of the new scheme to implement these proposals due to a lack of finance being available for materials and lack of manpower being available due to emigration; the level of placings which he expects Údarás na Gaeltachta to be able to target in each Gaeltacht area of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. Quinn)

Community employment is designed to provide part-time work with personal and skills development opportunities for the unemployed. Projects undertaken within the programme will be for community and public benefit and may be sponsored by public bodies and voluntary organisations. The level of activity under the programme in an area will be dependent on the need for projects having regard to the area's level of unemployment and the organisation of suitable projects by local sponsors.

The funding available for the programme through FÁS will cover the cost of the participant allowances, training grants and assistance towards the cost of supervision and materials. The availability of some local funding is an essential feature of the programme. The level of activity in particular parts of the country and the number of projects approved for particular sponsors is a day to day matter for FÁS.