Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 10 Mar 1994

Vol. 440 No. 3

Written Answers. - Community Employment Scheme.

John Browne

Ceist:

39 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment having terminated the Teamwork scheme which allowed training and employment for 18 to 21 year olds, the plans, if any, he has to facilitate this important age group.

Godfrey Timmins

Ceist:

54 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will reconsider the replacement of the FÁS teamwork scheme by the community work scheme in view of the difficulties imposed for organisations and schools involved in working with people who have physical and learning disabilities in this scheme by the higher age limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 54 together.

The introduction of the new programme, community employment is intended to streamline the provision of work opportunities for people without employment currently provided through FÁS under Teamwork, the Social Employment Scheme and the Community Employment Development Programme.

I have already indicated that the provision of opportunities for young people under 21 years and for Youthreach progression participants will now be examined following a review of the FÁS/Department of Social Welfare Options initiative for school leavers.

I am conscious that the eligibility criteria specifying an age limit of 21 years in respect of receipt of unemployment assistance may preclude some younger people who would have been eligible for participation on Teamwork. However, there is no age limit in respect of persons in receipt of unemployment benefit or lone parent's allowance.

I must emphasise that Teamwork was designed to provide opportunities for young people on projects of a finite nature. It was not intended to provide funding for projects on a continuing basis and projects requiring such funding should seek to secure their state resources from the appropriate agencies, which, in the area of health care, would be the Department of Health and the health boards.