Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 529: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will conduct a review of the operation of community employment schemes in view of the fact that many beneficiaries of this scheme are not in a position for a variety of reasons to re-enter the mainstream labour market; and his views on whether the scheme needs to be amended in terms of the objectives in view of same. [19714/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons (including those with a disability) with 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/develop both their technical and personal skills.

In April 2000 limits were introduced on the amount of time that a person could participate on CE (3-years total time on CE from 3rd April 2000 — participation on CE before this date is disregarded). CE Capping was introduced to facilitate the movement of participants through the programme, allowing new participants who may not otherwise have such an opportunity, avail of the programme. Recent changes to national policy introduced significant extensions to CE participation limits for older participants (aged 55 and over) and participants with a disability. These changes were made in recognition of the fact that these workers may find it more difficult to progress into the open labour market.

Within the context of the Education and Qualifications Act (1999), certified learning has become a key objective for all FÁS funded training. In this context, as part of its continuous improvement processes, FÁS has introduced a new Individual Learner Plan approach to the Community Employment programme. This approach, aimed at systematically supporting the progression of programme participants, is currently being rolled out nationwide.

The ILP sets out a profile of the learner development needs both in relation to project skills training and progression training. Career planning and exit strategies form an integral part of the plan. Significant changes have been made to the programme to reflect the needs of the labour market. The programme will be continuously reviewed to ensure it meets the needs of its participants.

I would like to highlight that FÁS and Local Employment Service Offices are available to provide information on other employment and training opportunities which may be available to those in local communities exiting or ineligible for Community Employment Schemes.

CE still remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment. The programme is managed within this context, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community. The overall operation of the scheme is therefore kept under constant review.