Local authority schemes for abandoned footpaths
Finnucane asked whether local authorities could use scheme participants to address abandoned footpaths. The Minister agreed to examine the proposal, citing the requirement to guarantee 52 weeks of employment.
With the cutbacks in local authorities this has been a fairly successful scheme. However, there is an anomoly. Would the Minister not agree that in areas where there are abandoned footpaths, etc., it would be of benefit if the local authorities were allowed to place those individuals on specific schemes? I would appreciate if the Ministerf would address this point.
Comment on this
I will look at that point for the Deputy. Normally if there is a big divergence it is looked at because the new people being taken on will have to have 52 weeks employment. That is the reason for the difficulty. Any individual coming off the register who goes on a social employment scheme must be guaranteed 52 weeks employment. Our experience is that many people who get back into the work ethic obtain jobs. I will look at that aspect.