Written Answers. - Community Employment Programme.
Proinsias De Rossa
Ceist:
78
Proinsias De Rossa
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment
the current progress made in relation to the commitment given in An Action Programme for the Millennium that a 25,000 place programme would be introduced paying the going rate for the job; the number of these places which have been provided to date; the timetable, if any, which has been set for the balance in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[21973/97]
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:
85
Mr. O'Shea
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment
if she will change the regulations applying to the community employment scheme whereby people over 35, who are providing vital services in the voluntary caring sector, do not have to drop out of the scheme, on the completion of three years, for six months before it may be possible for them to resume on the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[21965/97]
Derek McDowell
Ceist:
86
Mr. McDowell
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment
the reason the community employment programme is not being expanded in 1998 in line with Partnership 2000 proposals in view of the large numbers of graduates entering into the labour force from the community employment programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[22034/97]
I will take Questions Nos. 78, 85 and 86 together.
Community Employment is the main labour market intervention by the State on behalf of the long-term unemployed. Its primary objective is to provide those whom the programme is targeted at with a temporary placement where they can update existing skills, develop some new skills and obtain a recent track record of work experience which will enhance their prospects of obtaining a job. Community employment is not a substitute for work. Its function is to prepare participants for mainstream jobs.
The Community Employment programme was given a more targeted focus with effect from 1996 on foot of the recommendations of the Task Force on Long-Term Unemployment. The programme now consists of the following two options. The part-time integration option, which provides 30,000 places, is aimed at long-term unemployed people with reasonable prospects of employment and whose prospects of obtaining mainstream employment would be enhanced by participation on the programme. This lasts for one year. Under this option up to 10 per cent of participants can be re-engaged for a second year provided FÁS are satisfied they are key participants on a project or that their prospects of employment would be enhanced by an additional period on the programme. The part-time job option which provides 10,000 places, is aimed at long-term unemployed people with poor employment prospects. Under this option participants, who have an annual contract of engagement, can have their contract reviewed for up to three years.
We must constantly examine the quality and targeting of community employment in the light of our dynamic jobs growth and falling long-term unemployment. For that reason I have set in train a comprehensive external review of community employment, and I expect to have the conclusions before summer of next year. Pending this, it would be inappropriate to initiate any change in the current way community employment is structured.
A commitment to establish a 25,000 place programme paying the going rate for the job is included in the Government's Action Programme for the Millennium. We aim to achieve that commitment by progressively increasing the number of people on the community employment programme who will be paid the rate for the job.
The community employment programme is under continuous review in the light of the dynamics in the labour market arising from our booming economy. Against this background the "rate for the job" initiative will be introduced. I should add that last week's budget provided for 2,000 additional places on community employment. I assure the Deputy that any further action which I will take in this area will be driven by the need to ensure better opportunities for the long-term unemployed.
