Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 234: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason he effectively abolished the jobs initiative scheme in the course of introducing a number of changes to the active labour market programmes in November 2004; if he has plans to put an alternative programme in place for this cohort of unemployed persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7045/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Following the recent review of FÁS employment schemes which comprise community employment, social economy and job initiative, JI, I announced that with effect from 10 November 2004, there would be no compulsory lay-offs on JI and; participants on JI would have their contracts renewed for a further term. People who leave JI voluntarily may be replaced by community employment participants. These arrangements are intended to ensure the maintenance of the provision of a network of valuable community services throughout the country.