Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 284: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the future of FÁS and, in particular, community employment schemes; the role she has in this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15795/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Responsibility for policy and funding of the employment and community services of FÁS transferred to the Department of Social Protection with effect from 1 January 2011. It is envisaged that the integration of FÁS staff into the Department will commence later this year.

Insofar as the training activities of FÁS are concerned, options regarding the provision of further education and training and the structures to support it are currently being reviewed by the Minister for Education and Skills.

Within the current budgetary constraints, the number of places on CE was increased to 23,300 in 2010. The budgetary provision for CE in 2011 will allow FÁS to continue the programme at the same level as 2010. In delivering these places, FÁS will continue to operate 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.