Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 187: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the social economy scheme was transferred from FÁS to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33962/08]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 188: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on transferring community employment to the social economy programme; the implications such a change would have for those organisations availing of the community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33963/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 188 together.

The FÁS Social Economy Programme transferred to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on 1 January 2006, where it was subsequently renamed the Community Services Programme. It was transferred because the Social Economy Programme was better suited to the mandate of the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs.

I have no plans to transfer the Community Employment Programme to another Department. However, contacts do take place from time to time with other Departments as to particular projects.