Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 411: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the review of capping on the community employment scheme is due to be complete; the terms of reference of this review; if it includes consultation with community employment participants, supervisors and FÁS co-ordinators; if an opportunity will be given to these important stakeholders to air their views regarding changes to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14362/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Following a review of the operation of FÁS employment schemes — community employment, job initiative and social economy programmes — a number of changes were announced on 10 November 2004. The views and concerns expressed by key stakeholders, including the social partners, were taken into account in deciding on the new arrangements.

The new arrangements are as follows. There are no compulsory lay-offs on the job initiative scheme, JI; participants who remain on JI have their contracts renewed. People who leave JI voluntarily are being replaced by CE participants to support the service being provided. There has been no compulsory cessation of social economy programmes, which have played a very valuable role in communities throughout the country. In cases where an enterprise decided itself to cease activity, the employees affected have been assisted by FÁS in finding alternative employment. On 1 January 2006, the social economy programme transferred to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and is being administered by ADM-Pobal.

For CE participants, the three year cap has been removed for the over 55s. Over 55s are now eligible to participate on community employment for a maximum of six years. In the case of people advancing beyond 55 years during their normal period of service on CE, participation can be extended for up to a maximum of six years. The current ring-fencing and prioritisation for the essential services of child care, health related services and drugs task force clients is being maintained. In 2005, there were 25,000 places overall on community employment schemes, job initiative schemes and social economy programmes and a similar number of places have been provided during 2006.

While there is no formal review taking place regarding the caps in the CE scheme, the operation of the scheme is kept under constant review.