Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 68: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress of the social economy programme; the number of persons in the programme for the years 2000 to 2004 inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13768/04]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Social Economy Programme, SEP, was launched in September 2000 with a view to generating 2,500 jobs for the long-term unemployed and other disadvantaged people. The number of people supported by the SEP for the years 2000 to 2004 inclusive are:

The programme is funded by FÁS from its employment programme budget. A total allocation of €351 million is being provided in 2004 to support up to 25,000 places across the three FÁS employment schemes — community employment, job initiative and the social economy programme. Of this, over €40 million is earmarked for the SEP. This compares with funding of €6.6 million in 2001, €20.5 million in 2002 and €36 million in 2003. A review of the SEP was undertaken and is being considered at present by FÁS and the Department. The review will inform the future direction of the programme.