Tánaiste Launches £200m Social Economy Programme Over 2500 Jobs to be Created

Tánaiste Mary Harney today (Monday, 18th September, 2000) launched a new programme aimed at providing 2,500 jobs for the long-term unemployed particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Social Economy Programme will provide opportunities for those in long-term unemployment who are still finding it difficult to access employment despite the booming economy.

Speaking at the launch of the Programme today the Tánaiste said "Despite the unprecedented level of job creation in recent times, there are still people in less well-off areas who are unable to find employment. At the same time, there are many long-term unemployed people who would welcome the opportunity to take up jobs in order to help provide essential social services which are needed in their communities.

"The approach in this Programme is innovative and unique. As well as providing employment, the Programme will play an important role in regenerating local economies and improving the quality of life in local communities," the Tánaiste continued.

The Tánaiste added, "The aim is to invest up to £41 million per annum in social economy enterprises. A total of £213 million has been provided in the National Development Plan up to 2006 and the objective is to create the equivalent of 2,500 jobs by 2003.

"The Programme will provide start-up funding which will be aimed at enterprises which meet the demand for essential services in disadvantaged communities which might not otherwise have the resources to provide them. Some of these activities will not of their very nature be commercial while others will have the capacity to become self-financing over time.

"The social economy will consist of a mix of enterprises which provide social services whether publicly or privately funded. Examples might include waste recycling for a local authority or meals on wheels for the Health Board.

"The key objective of the Programme is to regenerate both urban and rural communities by providing urgently needed local services as well as employment opportunities and experience for those at most disadvantage when it comes to finding a job".

The programme will be operated by FÁS. Funding will be available for the development of a business plan, employee grants and other costs such as management, marketing and training and applications can be made to the local office of FÁS. Applications will be vetted by local working groups being established by FÁS, comprising nominees/representatives of FÁS and Area Partnership Companies, relevant Statutory Bodies such as Health Boards and Local Authority, local community/voluntary interests, ICTU and local employers nominees, County Enterprise Boards, Farmer Pillar and others.