Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 13 Jun 2001

Vol. 538 No. 1

Written Answers. - Community Employment Schemes.

Gerry Reynolds

Ceist:

84 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the criteria applied in relation to community employment spaces with particular reference to rural disadvantage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17280/01]

Michael Bell

Ceist:

106 Mr. Bell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the Government's proposals for the future of the community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17215/01]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 106 together.

Community employment, CE, is a work experience programme whose primary role is to assist the progression of participants into jobs and-or further education and training. FÁS has operational responsibility for the delivery of the programme which has currently approximately 33,500 participants.

Following the Government decision in July 1999 to restructure the programme the numbers employed on CE are reducing to 28,000 by the end of 2003. The reduction in absolute numbers participating, together with the changed eligibility criteria, are considered to be appropriate given the current economic climate and buoyancy in employment projections.

Consultations with relevant Departments are currently taking place in order to progress the mainstreaming of essential services currently undertaken by participants on the CE programme. The mainstreaming of these services should enhance the services being provided and provide employment opportunities for the long-term unemployed. The mainstreaming of CE services will further reduce participation levels.

Discussions with the Department of Education and Science with regard to schools services are at an advanced stage and I intend to begin the mainstreaming process and to transfer CE funding freed up by the reduction in CE positions in schools to that Department in time for the new school year in September next.

My Department is finalising proposals for a new high supports process, as required under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, which will enhance the range of options available for job seekers with particular employment barriers. Further consultations with the social partners on the high supports process are due to take place shortly and I hope this process can be put in place at an early date.

My Department is also considering the position of older persons, workers in rural areas and others who have previously participated on CE, and who are having difficulty progressing to open employment. This issue will be also considered in the context of developing policy for the high supports process, and in the light of the implications of both elements for the future operation of CE following the mainstreaming of essential services.

FÁS prioritises projects based on the services being provided and on the particular needs identified in the Community. In this regard, rural disadvantage is taken into account by FÁS when prioritising the renewal of projects, and approving the allocation of CE places. However, CE participants working on rural projects are required to meet the general eligibility criteria regarding age and employment status.

In the context of labour shortages and the dramatic reductions in the numbers of long-term unemployed I believe we must continue to gradually reduce the overall numbers participating on active labour market programmes. This can be achieved through a process of mainstreaming jobs and targeting available resources at those most in need. There are now more job opportunities available than ever before. However, a reducing level of CE will remain an important intervention for the long-term unemployed and socially excluded for the foreseeable future.

Question No. 85 answered with Question No. 54.