Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 section 359A

Functions of Minister in relation to employment schemes and related schemes and programmes

Section 359A sets out the Minister's powers to provide, coordinate, and fund employment schemes, work experience programmes, and job placement services, including schemes previously operated by FÁS.

• The Minister may provide or arrange employment schemes, job-seeking assistance, work experience, and job placement services — including career guidance and introductions to employers — and "employment" includes self-employment.
• The Minister may continue any employment scheme or programme previously provided by FÁS (An Foras Áiseanna Saothair), including Community Employment, the Work Placement Programme, and the Jobs Initiatives Scheme, and may amend or terminate these at any time.
• The Minister is not considered an employer under the Terms of Employment (Information) Acts 1994 to 2014 merely because of funding a scheme or making payments under the Ex-Gratia Scheme for CE Supervisors.
• With the approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, the Minister may pay agreed sums from the Exchequer under the Ex-Gratia Scheme for Community Employment Scheme Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors.