Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 23 Oct 2003

Vol. 573 No. 2

Written Answers. - Job Initiative.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

14 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of funding committed under the jobs initiative programme for each year from 2000 to 2003 inclusive; and if she will support this scheme with additional funding in 2004. [24418/03]

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

50 Ms Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons who have had their jobs initiative contracts terminated to date in 2003; if her attention has been drawn to the serious difficulties being created for those with disabilities who have previously been employed under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24469/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Fahey):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 50 together.

The jobs initiative, JI, programme is a work experience programme for persons 35 years of age or older who have been unemployed for five years or longer. Participants are offered temporary full-time employment for a period of three years. There are currently in the region of 2,300 participants on the programme and the figure is set to reduce to 2,200 by the end of the year, which amounts to an overall reduction of 325 places phased over the year. Funding amounting to €35 million was provided for the programme in 2000, €44 million in 2001, €45 million in 2002 and €45 million for 2003.

FÁS employment services are available to assist participants progressing from JI and participants have the option of engaging in the new high supports process. This process is designed to provide a flexible response for persons experiencing barriers in progressing from unemployment to employment in the open labour market and is based on the individual needs of clients with the support of a fund of up to a maximum of €2,200 per person. The high supports process aims to maximise progression into the open labour market of those being supported.

JI is currently under review by FÁS and the standing committee on the labour market is also carrying out a review of all active labour market programmes, which would include JI. Decisions on the future of this programme will be taken in the context of the Estimates provision for 2004, having regard to the outcome of the current review process, which is now nearing completion.