Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of personnel on the FÁS schemes in Aughrim, County Wicklow as of 1 April 2008; the number who were on these schemes on 1 April 2006 and 1 April 2007; the various FÁS schemes in the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15794/08]

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 with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. The programme helps unemployed people to progress to the open labour market by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine and assists them in enhancing/developing both their technical and personal skills.

To cater for older workers in particular, in November 2004 I revised the 3 year CE capping to allow those of 55 years of age and over to avail of a 6-year period on CE (based on participation since 3rd April, 2000). Subsequently, the participation limit for persons eligible for CE based on a Social Welfare disability linked payment was increased by 1 year. These measures were introduced in recognition of the fact that older participants and people with disabilities may find it more difficult to progress into the open labour market.

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, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community. However, it should be remembered that, in so far as participants remain on CE, they are precluding someone else from benefiting from the programme. FÁS makes every effort to ensure that differing levels of demand between neighbouring schemes are equalised. FÁS also operates the programme flexibly as far as possible to ensure the continuation of community projects. This Government will continue to support the positive role of CE in meeting the needs of long-term unemployed persons while at the same time providing essential services to communities. In this regard, we are keeping the operation of the Scheme under constant review.

In relation to the information sought by the Deputy the table sets out details of the number of personnel on the FÁS schemes in Aughrim, County Wicklow as of 1st April 2006, 2007 and 2008.

I am informed by FÁS that the reduction in numbers is a consequence of an amalgamation of schemes. The main Community Employment (CE) project in Aughrim is the National Disabled Angling Facility (NDAF) which incorporates the Tidy Towns activity. The current NDAF project continues to mid October 2008, when it comes up for renewal. In addition there are two participants at the local GAA Park under the aegis of the GAA County Board CE Project. The GAA project continues to mid February 2009, when it comes up for renewal.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to amend the criteria for participation on FÁS schemes; if he will extend the period of time permitted on the schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15795/08]

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 with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. The programme helps unemployed people to progress to the open labour market by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine and assists them in enhancing/developing both their technical and personal skills. To cater for older workers in particular, in November 2004 I revised the 3 year CE capping to allow those of 55 years of age and over to avail of a 6-year period on CE (based on participation since 3rd April, 2000). Subsequently, the participation limit for persons eligible for CE based on a Social Welfare disability linked payment was increased by 1 year. These measures were introduced in recognition of the fact that older participants and people with disabilities may find it more difficult to progress into the open labour market.

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, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community. However, it should be remembered that, in so far as participants remain on CE, they are precluding someone else from benefiting from the programme. FÁS makes every effort to ensure that differing levels of demand between neighbouring schemes are equalised. FÁS also operates the programme flexibly as far as possible to ensure the continuation of community projects.

In conclusion then, I would say that this Government will continue to support the positive role of CE in meeting the needs of long-term unemployed persons while at the same time providing essential services to communities. In this regard, we are keeping the operation of the Scheme under constant review.