Vol. 529 No. 4
91 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of discussions with the social partners with regard to the community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2011/01]
In the context of the commitment under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, PPF, and the Government's decision in 1999 to restructure community employment, CE, consultations will take place with the social partners through the PPF Standing Committee on the Labour Market, on the mainstreaming of essential services currently provided by the CE programme. The initial focus in this regard is on the education and health sectors.
My Department is currently finalising discussions with the Department of Education and Science aimed at transferring CE funding on schools schemes to that Department. The proposed transfer would provide an increase in funding for schools over and above the additional resources already allocated by the Department of Education and Science for schools support services over the past year. It would also provide a uniform and equitable system of funding for schools services which, thereafter, would be solely the responsibility of the Department of Education and Science. The precise nature of the scheme to be implemented is at an advanced stage of consideration and it is anticipated that discussions with the social partners on the final proposals will take place shortly.
Discussions are also under way with the Department of Health and Children to determine the potential to transfer current CE spending on services to persons with disabilities. These proposals will also be discussed with the social partners at the appropriate stage.
