Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 6

Written Answers. - Social Economy Programme.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

60 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the committee to establish the social employment programme has been set up; if so, the individual chairing it and the other members of the committee; if not, when it will be established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25054/99]

Nora Owen

Ceist:

112 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the committee to establish the social employment programme has been set up; if so, the individual chairing it and the other members of the committee; if not, when it will be established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25099/99]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 112 together.

A national monitoring committee representative of relevant Departments and the social partners has now been established on foot of the Government decision in July 1999 to introduce a dedicated social economy programme. The responsibility for chairing the committee lies with my Department and Mr. Eugene Forde, principal officer, is the current chairman. The first monitoring committee meeting took place on 3 November 1999. Progress was made on adopting the terms of reference and rules and procedures of the committee. A further meeting of the committee is expected to take place in mid-December 1999 with the aim of adopting the operating framework of the programme. I have asked the chairman of the committee to forward a list of members directly to Deputy Allen and Deputy Owen.