A review of the community employment schemes is to be concluded shortly, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Martin, said.
He added that target participation rates for next year would be considered in the context of the ongoing review of active labour market programmes and the budget allocation for FÁS programmes next year.
"Extensive consultation with the social partners and key stakeholders has taken place on the future direction of community employment schemes and other FÁS labour market programmes."
The Minister was replying to the Fine Gael spokesman on enterprise and employment, Mr Phil Hogan, who urged him to reverse the cuts in the schemes. Mr Hogan claimed that community employment, social economy and job initiative schemes had been amalgamated to make the figures look better.
"However, the reduction of 5,000 places in the 2004 estimates is hitting the voluntary sector and various community efforts hard, with sponsors becoming concerned." He urged the Minister to "take his courage in his hands and ring-fence the number of places at 2003 levels". He added that Government backbenchers were demanding this. Mr Hogan also urged the Minister to examine the three-year cap associated with the schemes.
Mr Martin said that a consultation paper had been sent out in July and various options were being considered. He had already met the chief executive of FÁS and the departmental team responsible for the matter to discuss the issue. "It is only fair that we await the submissions from the various interest groups. The same levels applied in 2004 as in 2003 for the three schemes. Any reductions were prior to this."
He added that the three-year cap had been identified by many as an issue.
"However, the scheme is not just about numbers but also the policy context within which the schemes are operated. There is a labour market component to these schemes in moving people from long-term unemployment. Those figures have been greatly reduced due to Government successes on the economic front, but there is still a category of long-term unemployed. We must not forget the concept of progressing from community employment to full employment."
Mr Martin said the schemes had a strong community and social impact. "I want to see that reflected in any decisions made on the schemes. By the end of the year, the situation will be resolved."
Mr Hogan said that the Minister would be aware from his conversations with the chief executive of FÁS that he was opposed to the existing policy.
"From correspondence I have received from him, he has proved that his mind is made up on the number of places and what the long-term unemployed should be doing. A political decision must be taken."
Mr Martin said that while he accepted the chief executives of FÁS and Forfás had perspectives on the issues, they did not dictate to the Government but worked with it.
