Vol. 572 No. 6
164 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when it is proposed to publish the report on the review of community employment schemes; if there will be no reduction in the numbers on schemes compared to 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24258/03]
The average participation rate in the community employment programme is expected to be in the region of 22,500 during 2003 with a projected year-end participation rate of 20,000. This amounts to a reduction of 5,000 places compared to the numbers at the end of 2002.
The CE programme is currently under review. An overall appraisal of active labour market programmes is being carried out under the aegis of the standing committee on the labour market which is chaired by my Department. Publication of this report is a matter for consideration by the standing committee in due course. FÁS is also currently completing an internal review of CE and the job initiative programme, which is well advanced and should be finalised shortly. In addition, a cross-departmental senior officials group has been asked to consider options for the future of CE, taking account of the link with the provision of community services. Future participation levels in the CE and JI schemes will be considered in the context of the Estimates provision for 2004, having regard to the outcome of the current review process which is nearing completion.
