Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 11 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 1

Written Answers. - FÁS Training Programmes.

Gerard Murphy

Ceist:

206 Mr. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the response to Parliamentary Question No. 4 of 23 October 2003 concerning the imminent restructuring of FÁS schemes; and if she will instruct FÁS to resist from seeking redundancies for its supervisor grade. [26427/03]

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 significant reduction in the numbers of the long-term unemployed and the shift in emphasis from work experience programmes to training – from which there is a greater level of progression to employment. The average participation rate on CE during 2003 is expected to be in the region of 22,500, which amounts to a reduction of 5,000 places approximately, phased over the year.

Supervisor redundancy has been necessary in recent years due to the reduction in the number of projects and the overall level of participants on the programme. A decision will be taken on the appropriate level of supervisory positions to be maintained on CE in future, in the context of the Estimates provision for 2004 and having regard to the outcome of the current review process, which is ongoing.

In this regard, 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. 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. FÁS is currently completing an internal review of CE and the jobs initiative programme, which is well advanced and should be finalised shortly.