Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 503: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of his response to a request from a local authority (details supplied) seeking an easing of restrictions which are preventing the introduction of work placement and training programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30969/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department received a delegated sanction from the Department of Finance in August 2009 for implementation of the general moratorium on the filling of public sector posts across all local authorities. This is on condition that the overall staffing levels in the sector are reduced significantly by the end of 2010 in adherence with the Government's Policy on Staffing and Numbers in the Public Sector.

The FÁS Work Placement Programme is a work experience programme to assist people who are unemployed to retain their skills levels and/or secure work experience that will assist them in getting a job. It is a condition of the programme that any such placements should not displace an existing member of staff or be used to fill a vacant post (the provider of the work placement has to sign a declaration to this effect). The placement of individuals under the Programme is not affected by the moratorium on recruitment in the public service.

While notifications under this programme from various local authorities have been received by my Department, to date none have been received from South Dublin County Council.

However, South Dublin County Council has successful experience of previous placement programmes, especially the Community Employment Scheme targeted at people who are long term unemployed. It is understood that the Council is currently examining the placing of individuals under the FAS Work Placement Programme, under which it is envisaged that the Council will address new areas of work that will make a positive difference to the community and the environment. Preliminary discussions have taken place between South Dublin County Council, FAS and other Government Departments in relation to implementation.