Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the consideration which has been given to job initiative participants in receipt of the one parent family payment. [15844/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The job initiative, JI, programme is intended as an active labour market programme for persons 35 years of age or older who have been unemployed for five years or longer. Eligible persons are employed by managing agents, with the support of a grant from FÁS for this purpose. The JI programme currently provides for a minimum payment to participants of €346.40, regardless of their family circumstances. Persons in receipt of the one parent family payment for a minimum of five years are eligible to participate in the programme. This is a means tested payment and the rate payable and eligibility for this payment are matters for the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Following the recent review of FÁS employment schemes, which comprise community employment, social economy and JI, I announced that with effect from 10 November 2004, that 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.