Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 382: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is conducting a review into the social economy programme; if he is considering proposals to move this programme from FÁS and his own Department to another Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20675/05]

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

A review of the social economy programme, SEP, was undertaken by WRC social and economic consultants. The report was published in October 2003 and is available on the websites of my Department, www.entemp.ie, and FÁS, www.fas.ie.

On the basis of this report the SEP was the subject of a review at partnership level in the context of the overall review of the employment schemes operated by FÁS. On foot of this I announced a number of changes to the employment schemes in November 2004, including the arrangement whereby there would be no compulsory cessation of social economy projects. The issue of whether the social economy programme should remain with my Department or be transferred to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is under consideration.