The community employment programme, or CE, as it is popularly known, is a work experience programme the primary role of which is to assist the progression of participants into jobs, further education and training. The programme was originally designed to provide temporary rather than ongoing permanent opportunities for persons unemployed for a minimum of 12 months. There are approximately 33,500 participants currently on the programme. Within the context of the overall number of places available FÁS has operational responsi bility for the delivery of this programme on behalf of the Government and our Department.
As a result of a Government decision in July 1999, a review of the programme by consultants and discussions with the social partners, the following restructuring changes were introduced. The eligibility age was increased from 21 to 25 with certain exceptions. Breaks between schemes were increased from six to 12 months. Participation on the programme will in future be limited to three full years. Dependent spouses of long-term unemployed persons and widows or widowers were given direct access to the programme. To facilitate the introduction of carers into the workforce persons previously in receipt of carer's allowance have also been given access to this programme.
In addition to these changes, and in consultation with the social partners, a decision was taken to reduce the numbers employed on the community employment programme over a five year period, from an average provision of 37,500 in 1999 to 28,000 by the end of 2003. The reduction in absolute numbers participating, together with the changed eligibility criteria, are considered to be appropriate given the present economic climate and buoyancy in employment projections. The current unemployment rate is only 3.5%. As a result, changes are agreed through the PPF on the necessary adjustments to all schemes and programmes affecting the labour market.
In the context of the commitment under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness and the Government's decision in 1999 to restructure the community employment programme, consultations have been taking place with the social partners through the PPF standing committee on the labour market regarding the mainstreaming of essential services currently provided by the CEP. The modalities of mainstreaming those services are being discussed directly with relevant Departments before reporting to the standing committee on issues arising from these discussions. The initial focus in this regard is on the education and health sectors. It is proposed to fund the mainstreaming of essential services from within existing target participation levels.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is currently in discussions with the Department of Education and Science to transfer CEP funding to school schemes. The discussions relate to the transfer of funding equivalent to the amount spent on such schemes. The proposed transfer would provide an increase in funding for schools over and above the additional resources already allocated over the past year by the Department of Education and Science for schools support services. It would also provide a uniform and equitable system of funding for schools services which would be solely the responsibility of the Department of Education and Science. While there may be some short-term reduction in funding for schools due to the restructuring, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employ ment intends that every effort will be made to ensure that the proposed mainstreaming of schools services will produce positive outcomes for community employment programme participants and for the education sector in general.
Supervisors on CE projects are employed by the sponsors of the projects and funded by a grant from FÁS. This funding includes an amount towards the employment of a supervisor, including both a wage and employer PRSI element. Sponsors are advised by FÁS to issue contracts of employment to supervisors to cover the period for which the project has been sanctioned, usually for one year at a time.
FÁS has advised the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment that a very limited number of supervisors are engaged solely in schools related projects. Many of these supervisors are highly competent individuals and will wish to move to other employment. Supervisors are continually leaving the programme to avail of opportunities that present themselves. Where possible, supervisors who may be affected by the mainstreaming of schools services will be accommodated on other projects as vacancies arise. In addition some social economy projects are likely to be in a position to offer employment when they are fully operational. It should be noted that it will be a matter for the social economy enterprise to choose the most suitable person for the position.
CE participants currently working in schools take part for one year initially and, depending on their age and unemployment record, may work up to a maximum of three years. The Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment intends to ensure that due recognition is given to the experience of such participants in schools in the final proposals. As provided for in the PPF, consultations on the final proposals for the mainstreaming of CE schools services will take place with the social partners through the standing committee on the labour market. The nature of the scheme to be implemented is now at an advanced stage of consideration and we are confident that this matter will be finalised as quickly as possible.
