Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 1 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 4

Written Answers. - Community Employment Schemes.

Michael Finucane

Ceist:

58 Mr. Finucane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will consider that the rigidity of the three year limit on participants in the community employment scheme (details supplied) in County Limerick will seriously impact on the current numbers employed in the programme; her views on whether there should be recognition by making an exception in view of the fact participants on the programme are homeless and have experienced addiction problems; if exemptions are made in other locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6346/00]

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

Operational responsibility for the delivery of the community employment, programme on a regional basis is a matter for FÁS as part of its responsibilities under the Labour Services Act, 1987. I do not have any plans for changing the new three year limit on participation in the community employment programme which is considered essential to address the previously identified pattern of repeated participation on the programme, rather than it being used as an active labour market measure encouraging transition to employment in the open labour market.

It is important to note that the three year cap does not come into effect until April 2000 and that an individual's previous participation on the programme will not be taken into account. Therefore, long-term unemployed persons who have previously participated in the programme can avail of another period of up to three years subject to the overall number of places available. Offshore island residents are exempt from the three year cap on participation in CE.