Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 170: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will report on the implementation of the work place programme for graduates including the number of graduates accommodated; her future plans for the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31978/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Work Placement Programme provides up to 9 months work experience to unemployed individuals, including graduates. The Programme is open to all sectors of the economy, including the private and public sectors, as well as the community and voluntary sectors. The programme is voluntary and unpaid, while participants on the programme may be able retain their existing social welfare entitlements for the duration of their placement subject to the rules of the Department of Social Protection.

As of 16th September 1,860 people had commenced a placement under the Work Placement Programme. 918 had taken up graduate placements and 942 commenced non-graduate placements.

The Work Placement Programme will continue to provide a vital opportunity for the unemployed, including unemployed graduates to gain valuable work experience that will keep them closer to the labour market and will assist them in securing employment in the future.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 171: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her views regarding the contribution being made by participants in job initiatives schemes to their local communities; if she supports these schemes and if funding will continue for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32068/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Job Initiative (JI) programme was launched in July 1996 and continues to provide full-time employment for people who are 35 years of age or over, who were unemployed for five years or more, and in receipt of social welfare payments over that qualifying period before entering the programme.

The main purpose of JI is to assist long-term unemployed people to prepare for work opportunities by providing participants with work experience, training and development opportunities. FÁS operates the programme with a dedicated budget of €34.5 million for 2010. There are currently 1,329 participants, with this number decreasing annually due to retirement and other reasons.

Following changes introduced in 2004 by the then Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment, contracts for existing JI participants are renewed, allowing them the option to continue until they are 65 years of age. There is no recruitment to the programme due to this change.

JI participants are involved in a wide range of useful community services, including after-school care, breakfast clubs, homework clubs, gardening and security services. In addition, JI projects provide jobs in the social economy in administration and maintenance. The areas supported by these workers include community centres, creches, enterprise centres and parish properties.