P. J. Sheehan
Ceist:135 Mr. Sheehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures she will introduce for people over 55 who are long-term unemployed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26652/00]
Written Answers. - Employment Support Services.
Long-term unemployed persons have access to the community employment programme which has an average of 35,500 places available in 2000, and to the job initiative programme which has 2,875 places available. The primary purpose of these programmes is to re-integrate long-term unemployed persons into jobs in the open labour market.
In addition the new social economy programme will provide urgently needed local services, and employment opportunities and experience for people who have been distanced from the labour market. This new programme is aimed at providing up to 2,500 jobs for the long-term unemployed particularly in disadvantaged communities. This programme is being funded through a reallocation of CE funding.
As identified in the PPF and during the review of the job initiative programme, some people, including those currently on JI, will have difficult ies in getting and keeping a job in the open labour market due to personal barriers such as age, health, literacy and numeracy factors. Additional long-term supports are needed. My Department is currently developing proposals for appropriate supports for such persons taking into consideration discussions already held with the social partners and a number of submissions received from the statutory and voluntary sectors. Final proposals are expected to be ready for further discussions with the social partners in the very near future.