Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 28 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 3

Written Answers. - Job Initiative.

Frances Fitzgerald

Ceist:

72 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the future of the Job initiative programme; the current deadlines for the schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18574/00]

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

The Job initiative programme is a three year work experience programme for persons who have been unemployed for five years or longer. The fundamental objective of Job initiative is to progress participants into mainstream employment.

The new guidelines on the future operation of the programme have not imposed any specific deadlines to Job initiative participation. Workers currently filling phase 1 places on Job initiative, many of whom have availed of a six months extension to the end of June 2000, are allowed to remain on the programme for a further limited period to be determined locally between FÁS and their sponsors. These workers will receive personal guidance from a specific employment service case officer who will have the task of exploring the range of options available to the individual based on their ability to progress to the open labour market.

Greater emphasis will be placed on the work experience element of the Job initiative programme in future and through more active involvement of the local employment service, employers will be regularly appraised of the skills and competencies of Job initiative participants. A period of placement with prospective employers may be the appropriate option for some workers and other persons currently job ready can avail of the services of FÁS job clubs, which are located around the country.

As identified in the PPF, some people, including those currently on Job initiative, may have difficulties in getting and keeping a job in the open labour market and additional long-term supports will be needed. The issue of identifying and developing appropriate supports for such persons will be addressed by the PPF standing committee on the labour market.

Some participants have additional training needs which can be accommodated while they remain on the programme and others may choose to opt for full time training. Bridging training programmes will also be provided by FÁS, in co-operation with the partnership companies, which will be used to support the progression of Job initiative workers. Persons engaged in full-time training will be paid the appropriate training allowance similar to other trainees and will be eligible for the £25 training bonus per week.