257 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will change the recruitment policy for job initiative schemes to allow recruitment to take place in areas of low unemployment and allow the good community work in those areas to continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10638/07]

Job Initiative (JI) was launched back in July 1996 and provides full-time employment for people who are 35 years of age or over, who have been unemployed for 5 years or more and in receipt of social welfare payments over that period.

Its main purpose is to assist long-term unemployed people to prepare for work opportunities. This is achieved by providing participants with work experience, training and development opportunities. The programme is sponsored by voluntary organisations and public bodies in not-for-profit activities.

Following a review of FAS employment schemes, which comprise of Community Employment, Social Economy and JI, a decision was taken that, with effect from 10th November, 2004 there would be no compulsory lay-offs on JI and that those participants on JI would have their contracts renewed for a further term.

It was also agreed that participants who leave JI voluntarily may be replaced by Community Employment participants. This is current practice and I have no plans to change it. These arrangements are intended to ensure the maintenance of the provision of a network of valuable community services throughout the country.