Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 3

Written Answers. - Community Employment Schemes.

Paul Bradford

Ceist:

59 Mr. Bradford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will review the situation concerning FÁS schemes, where significant cutbacks in these schemes are threatened; her views on whether the community employment schemes, which were being implemented in conjunction with the health boards, should be maintained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12484/02]

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

In accordance with the Government's decision in 1999 to restructure community employment, CE, participation levels are gradually being reduced reflecting the falling numbers of the long-term unemployed, and the shift in emphasis away from work experience programmes to training, from which there is a greater level of progression to employment. The mainstreaming of schools services currently under way and the proposed mainstreaming of other essential services, including the health sector, will further reduce the numbers employed on the programme. Mainstreaming of CE health services will involve the phased transfer of current CE funding for such services to the Department of Health and Children.

A liaison group comprising representatives of the health boards, FÁS, Department of Health and Children, and my Department, is currently giving careful consideration to the practicalities of managing the mainstreaming process and ensuring the smoothest possible transition to the new arrangements. Discussions with sponsor group representatives such as the Disability Federation of Ireland would indicate strong support in principle for mainstreaming these services in view of the potential to achieve greater security of funding and continuity of service to the client groups. I am hopeful that the mainstreaming of CE health services can be commenced over the summer months following the discussions within the liaison group and agreement on those CE health related projects which will be included in this phase of mainstreaming.

As provided for under the PPF, an overall review of active labour market programmes will be undertaken by my Department in the near future under the aegis of the PPF standing committee on the labour market. The future policy direction of CE will be informed by the outcome of this process.