Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

Reflecting on the last contribution we have to be allowed a few cakes and ale over Christmas.

I thank the Minister of State for taking this matter on the Adjournment. This matter is of grave concern in County Tipperary as I am sure it is in County Cavan likewise. It concerns community employment schemes and how they are structured with a limit on the number of years. Even a person over the age of 55 can work on a community employment scheme. There is also a three-year limit for people under 55. Nobody is arguing that young able-bodied people entering the workforce should be allowed stay for an unlimited period on FÁS schemes. We are talking overwhelmingly about people over the age of 35 who, for one reason or another, whether it is their skills, training or the opportunities available, community employment suits their circumstances. There is not a ready alternative but also innumerable local voluntary organisations rely heavily on these schemes to keep their heads above water.

Until 2001 these schemes were administered more flexibly. We are facing a situation in Tipperary where, if there is no change in the position, up to half or more of those on community employment schemes will have to leave and, in many case, will not be readily replaced, both to the detriment of the individuals and the organisations for which they work and where they have developed the skills required to carry out the functions required. The scheme suits everybody and the cost is not great. Five or six years ago when the decision was taken and we were heading into full employment people wondered whether there was a need for the scheme. I do not know what the position is in the major centres of population, I only know the position in the country.

An agitated meeting took place in Dundrum because in some cases schemes will be decimated from mid-January. As a matter of acute urgency the Government must look at the rules. There is not a great deal of money involved. Nobody is arguing for an increase in the numbers. We are talking about individuals who are suited to the particular jobs being able to stay on. Obviously where jobs are being mainstreamed and made permanent by other authorities there would be no particular problem. It is a matter about which the trade union movement is concerned. I have no doubt the matter will be raised at social partnership talks. SIPTU is talking about having a march to the Dáil on the matter. I do not wish to be critical of our Ministers in this area but they tend to come from the large cities and centres of population where the problems and the perspectives may be different. In rural Ireland community employment schemes matter and they serve a vital role.

Given the healthy state of the economy and the finances why is it not possible to have the degree of flexibility that existed up to three or four years ago? As there is probably a Cavan interest as well as a Tipperary interest in this matter, I ask the Minister of State to do his best to communicate my concerns to the Minister responsible to have an urgent look at the problem before we get into a serious situation. Perhaps, the application of some of the rules could be suspended while the matter is being looked at.