Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 146: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if core funding will be provided to allow people who are currently working on community employment schemes providing services for the disability sector to be appointed on a permanent basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6132/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The main purpose of the community employment programme operated by FÁS is to provide work experience and training for the long-term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons, including giving those with a disability an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. CE helps unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance and develop both their technical and personal skills.

The ring fencing and prioritisation of places for health related services, including those for persons with disabilities, was introduced to maintain the delivery of essential services. As a result, health related service provision levels have been maintained at a constant level. The aim of CE still remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment. The programme is managed within this context and with consideration to the needs of participants and the community and the demand for CE resources from those organisations delivering services. Decisions regarding the provision of core funding for the health services generally are not a matter for my Department.