Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 76: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she has considered the benefits of FÁS developing a central placement service for community employment schemes that would match vacancies with persons whose relevant experience is on file rather than the current decentralisation which requires multiple applications by a person to the different organisers of community employment schemes. [44621/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The majority of Community Employment (CE) Schemes funded by FÁS are operated by companies limited by guarantee. The companies, which are called sponsors, are formed by community groups 'incorporating' to comply with FÁS contractual guidelines for operating CE schemes. The remainder are generally made up of public bodies such as County Councils. The sponsor is the employer and is responsible for the recruitment of both participants and supervisors.

In addition to being advertised in local FÁS offices, all CE vacancies are notified to FÁS and appear centrally on the Jobs Ireland website. FÁS can advise clients on the suitability of the CE programme in meeting their needs, and also confirm a client's eligibility and entitlements. It is the sponsor who will interview potential participants and make the final decision on recruitment. Generally, all schemes are run by separate organisations and legal entities.

There is no entitlement to participate on CE. Eligibility is determined by FÁS using the criteria set out in the guidelines, and suitability for the position, is determined by the prospective employer. If a client is considered "job-ready", they may be referred to other more suitable interventions rather than CE.

FÁS welcomes proposals from local sponsors to carry out projects, and all proposals are considered within allocated budgets and participant numbers. The provision of places is managed through a standardised application process between regional FÁS offices and local sponsor and community organisations, and any issues regarding the allocation of places are dealt with in this context.

In delivering these places, FÁS operates flexibly in the management of this allocation in order to maximise progression to the labour market, while at the same time facilitating the support of community services.