Dáil Éireann - Volume 603 - 31 May, 2005

Written Answers. - Community Employment Schemes.

Mr. McGuinness Mr. McGuinness

  274. Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will restore the numbers on community employment schemes to their 2002 level; the funding necessary for such an initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18168/05]

Mr. McGuinness Mr. McGuinness

  276. Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average cost to the State of each community employment place in 2004. [18170/05]

Mr. Martin Mr. Martin

  Mr. Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 274 and 276 together.

FÁS employment programmes, which comprise community employment, CE, social economy and job initiative, will provide a total of 25,000 places in 2005 at a cost in the region of €368 million, of which €293 million is in respect of CE. CE places rose by 2,346 during 2004.

713

[713] I am informed by FÁS that the cost to it of supporting the additional places necessary to bring the total places on CE this year to 25,000 — this being the level of placement at the end of 2002 — would be €46 million. I am also informed by FÁS that the average cost of a CE place in 2004 was €13,500. I have no plans to increase the substantial level of funding allocated to FÁS this year for the administration of employment programmes.

Dáil Éireann 603 Written Answers. Community Employment Schemes.

Questions

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