HC Deb 15 February 1996 vol 271 cc694-5W
Mr. Illsley

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many redundancies of core workers, who are funded by the Training and Employment Agency through the action for community employment training scheme, he has forecast for each of the next five years; [14728]

(2) how many core workers who are funded by the Training and Employment Agency through the action for community employment training scheme have so far been made redundant as a result of the changes in the ACE training scheme; [14729]

(3) what representations have been made to him from the organisations participating in the action for community employment training scheme who have experienced reductions in the number of placements in excess of 25 per cent.; [14730]

(4) what will be the effect on other programmes of the reduction in expenditure on the action for community employment training programme in each of the next three years. [14733]

Mr. Ancram

[holding answer 14 February 1996]: Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Training and Employment Agency under its chief executive, Mr. Ian Walters. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Ian Walters to Mr. Eric Illsley, dated 14 February 1996: The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me as Chief Executive of the Training and Employment Agency to reply to your questions about the effects of the reduction in the Action for Community Employment (ACE) budget. Question 14728 The budget reduction may lead to 134 redundancies among the programme's Core Workers during 1996/97. The question of further redundancies over the following 4 years will depend upon the budget available but at present I am not forecasting the need for such redundancies. Question 14729 At this stage I am not aware of any redundancies having been made by ACE schemes. Question 14730 A large number of representations have been made regarding the reduction. The Minister and I have met public representatives and delegations from voluntary organisations and the Northern Ireland Federation of ACE Schemes to discuss their collective and individual concerns. We are not seeking to implement reductions beyond those required to operate within the budget allocated in 1996/97. Question 14733 The reduction in the ACE budget has allowed the Government to meet emerging budgetary pressures in a number of areas and especially those which are important to the continued growth in the NI economy. I hope you find this reply useful. I will of course he pleased to provide further information if you would find it helpful.