Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The total number of places for 2005 will be 25,000, which is the same as the number at the end of September 2004. When one adds the three schemes together it comes to approximately 24,826. Despite the 50% reduction in the number of places, an effort is being made to create an impression that community employment schemes are increasing in number. That is the type of spin put on this reform. Does the Minister of State accept that there is a need for additional places to continue the work in resource centres, tidy towns and the various activities that have helped rural and urban communities and, more particularly, have helped participants receive training and gainful employment at a time when they might find it difficult to find employment elsewhere? Does he agree and accept that there is a need to provide an additional 5,000 places for the community employment schemes in line with the final outcome for 2003 to maintain the existing level of service in the community employment programme?

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