Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Job Initiative Programme.

Nora Owen

Ceist:

153 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the consultations, if any, that have taken place with the social partners concerning the whole-time job initiative programme; the decisions, if any, made regarding the recommended roll-overs in the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1166/00]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney):

Discussions between my Department and the social partners have taken place in the P2000 committee on labour market issues on all of the recommendations by Deloitte and Touche, consultants, following their report of the job initiative programme, including their recommendation relating to a 10% roll-over rate for participants. These consultations are likely to be concluded in the near future and I hope to be in a position to take decisions on how the programme should be operated in the future by the end of February or early March at the latest.

In accordance with one of the consultants' recommendations, I have already approved a six months extension to participants in phase 1 of the programme who were due to complete their three year term on 31 December 1999. This additional period on the programme will allow participants an opportunity to avail of any further training that may be necessary, together with enhanced assistance from the local employment services and FÁS placement services in seeking employment in the open labour market.