Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 14 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 3

Written Answers. - Job Initiative.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

107 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans, if any, she has in relation to the whole time jobs initiative in view of the fact there are a large number of participants and projects unsure of their future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20192/99]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

A decision in relation to the future operation of the job initiative programme will be made following completion of an evaluation being carried out by Deloitte & Touche, consultants, and subsequent consultations with the social partners on the recommendations.

It is anticipated that a good proportion of participants, with assistance under FÁS placement services and the local employment services, should be able to progress on to open-market employment as a result of the work experience and training gained over the three years on the programme.

The position of others who may not be job-ready for the open labour market after completing the programme will be given careful consideration in the review process.

It is my intention that the review of the programme will be completed as quickly as possible in the interest of providing early clarification for participants and managing agents.