The community jobs initiative programme will continue for the foreseeable future, according to the Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Eoin Ryan, who yesterday approved new guidelines for FAS on the scheme's operation.
He told Mr Pat Rabbitte (Labour, Dublin South-West) that the 600 workers due to complete the programme this year would have a further range of training options and the scheme would continue at its current level of 2,875 places, "subject to close monitoring and review in the context of changing labour market conditions".
The guidelines include greater emphasis on progression to open labour market employment and on work experience, training and core personal skills development.
This would ensure that workers "do not simply drift back to the live register and further social exclusion".