Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
218 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on those actions for which she has responsibility, namely actions 74, 75 and 76 in relation to her obligations under the national drugs strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22804/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following is the position re Actions 74, 75, and 76 which are being implemented by FÁS. Following a review of community employment a decision was made by Government that community employment drugs related schemes would be ring-fenced and maintained at 957 participants nationally. These places have been maintained to this number.
Community employment supervisors have received drugs awareness training and this programme is being provided to all supervisors.
Currently a review of all aspects of community employment in relation to drugs related projects is being completed and will be presented to the drugs task force for consideration and appropriate action.
Only one application was received under the social economy scheme in relation to a drugs project. This application was successful and the project started on 9 December 2002. The sponsors, Merchants Quay, did not consider social economy as a suitable progression option for their clients and the project closed on 2 April 2004 following major difficulties recruiting suitable participants.
However, FÁS will assist the work being undertaken by the sponsor by providing three participants on community employment.
