Vol. 540 No. 1
130 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the changes she proposes to make to the community employment scheme in relation to schools; the effect this will have to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19621/01]
139 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the changes she proposes to make to the community employment scheme in relation to schools; the effect this will have on a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19766/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 139 together.
In line with a commitment in the PPF and following consultations with relevant Departments and the social partners, certain essential services currently undertaken by participants on the community employment programme will be mainstreamed. This process involves the transfer of CE funding for specific services to other Departments with functional responsibility for the services in question. Services in the schools sector are being prioritised at present in this regard.
Mainstreaming will take place on a phased basis having regard to the suitability for mainstreaming of the service being provided and with due regard to an individual's participation entitlements on CE. Mainstreaming should enhance the services being provided and provide valuable employment opportunities. I intend to initiate the mainstreaming process by transferring CE funding freed up by the reduction in CE positions in schools to the Department of Education and Science in time for the new school year beginning in September next. It is intended under the mainstreaming process that all schools, including those who have never benefited from CE funding, will receive additional funding. During a transition period, some schools will receive the additional funding from the Department of Education and Science while still benefiting from the services of CE participants, as CE incumbents who opt to serve out their contracts will be facilitated in doing so.
