When the PPF commenced in November 1999 there were 36,027 participants on the community employment scheme and 2,047 participants on the job initiative programme. At the beginning of 2002 there were 30,809 participants on the community employment scheme and the estimated year's end participation rate is 25,000. The corresponding figures for the job initiative programme are 2,762 and 2,600. There are currently 24,560 and 2,583 participants on the community employment and job initiative schemes respectively. Participation rates on the community employment, job initiative and social economy programmes next year will depend on the level of funding available for them in 2003. The Government's consideration of the Estimates provisions for 2003 is under way and is due to be concluded shortly.
FÁS prioritises projects according to the types of services provided and levels of unemployment in the locality, and co-ordinates reductions to minimise the negative effects on groups and services most in need of community employment. Drugs task force activity and child care service provision are ring-fenced from any reductions in community employment and projects in RAPID areas and in the health services are given top priority. Community employment places in the health sector, which includes personal assistant services, are being maintained at the level of the start of the year to ensure continuity of the delivery of these services.