Written Answers. - Social Employment Scheme.
Ceist:
38
Mr. Hayes
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment
the progress made on the establishment of the social employment scheme; when she expects the working group to complete its work; the sectors that will be covered under the social employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[16549/00]
Nora Owen
Ceist:
90
Mrs. Owen
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment
the progress made on the establishment of the social employment scheme; when she expects the working group to complete its work; the sectors that will be covered under the social employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[16613/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 90 together.
I understand that the question refers to the new social economy programme, which is currently being introduced.
Arising out of the recommendations of the Partnership 2000 Working Group's Report on the Social Economy, it was decided to introduce a dedicated social economy programme and establish a national monitoring committee representative of relevant Government Departments and the social partners. The monitoring committee has agreed the framework for the operation of the new programme, including eligibility criteria and the local and national operating structures.
The objectives of the social economy programme are to promote the emergence and consolidation of the social economy; to maximise the potential of the social economy to generate employment that is sustainable and of high quality, subject to labour market constraints; to regenerate both urban and rural communities by providing urgently needed local services, employment opportunities and experience for people who have been distanced from the labour market; and to promote equal opportunities between men and women. The programme will be particularly targeted at disadvantaged communities and long-term unemployed persons.
Three categories of project will be funded under the social economy programme: community businesses, which are ultimately expected to be financed from trading income alone; deficient-demand social enterprises, where the demand for particular goods and services within a community is not matched by resources to pay for these due to disadvantage or low density of population; and enterprises based on public service contracts, where public services in disadvantaged areas and communities are subcontracted to local social economy enterprises.
Social economy enterprises will receive grant support for up to a period of three years. These grants will include supports for employees, manager, business skills, training, capital, overheads, etc.
Preparations are well advanced for the commencement of projects. Local working groups are being set up by FÁS at present to ensure the principle of partnership between statutory bodies, the social partners and local community-voluntary interests. The local working groups will oversee the operation of the social economy programme at local level, including identifying and prioritising areas of social economy activity. The working groups will advise and make recommendations to FÁS on applications for funds under the programme. Applications for funding to establish local social economy enterprises under the programme should be submitted to the local FÁS office.
