Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 January 2012
26 Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is sincere in saying that budget 2012 protects the most vulnerable in our society when the cuts in the materials grant to the community employment scheme will imperil those schemes and those who depend on them for some income and as a way to engage with society. [4325/12]
View answerCommunity Employment schemes provide a very important and valued contribution to social employment, training and progression for unemployed people. Furthermore, many Community Employment schemes provide vital community services right across the country. There are currently 1,143 CE schemes in operation nationally with 23,300 participants. I have protected the number of places on CE so that the most vulnerable in our society can continue to avail of Community Employment and provide valued services to their communities. There are no reductions in the number of CE places for 2012.
Following on from changes to the materials grant for Community Employment schemes announced in Budget 2012, I have directed that a review of the financial resources of all schemes take place. This is now being undertaken and will be completed in March 2012. It is also being carried out in the context that there are community and voluntary sponsoring organisations that receive funding from a multiplicity of state agencies. Alternative sources of support will be examined, particularly with reference to funding from other state agencies to avoid duplication. The review will also seek to establish if income is generated by scheme activity and the potential for utilisation of these funds to cover project costs.
The outcomes of this review will provide a clear picture of the core funding required for each scheme. This will assist my Department in ensuring a fair distribution of the funding available for these schemes. I have given assurances to community and voluntary organisations that no Community Employment Scheme will close pending the completion of this review.
27 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reverse the cut of €1,500 down to €500 for the training and materials grant for the community employment scheme in view of the huge extra burden that this will place on local employment creation and community service organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4324/12]
View answer47 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reverse the cut of €1,500 down to €500 for the training and materials grant for the community employment schemes in view of the extra burden this will place on local employment creation and community service organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3950/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 47 together.
Community Employment schemes provide a very important and valued contribution to social employment, training and progression for unemployed people. Furthermore, many Community Employment schemes provide vital community services right across the country. There are currently 1,143 CE schemes in operation nationally with 23,300 participants. I have protected the number of places on CE so that the most vulnerable in our society can continue to avail of Community Employment and provide value services to their communities. There are no reductions in the number of CE places for 2012.
Following on from changes to the materials grant for Community Employment schemes announced in Budget 2012, I have directed that a review of the financial resources of all schemes take place. This is now being undertaken and will be completed in March 2012. It is also being carried out in the context that there are community and voluntary sponsoring organisations that receive funding from a multiplicity of state agencies. Alternative sources of support will be examined, particularly with reference to funding from other state agencies to avoid duplication. The review will also seek to establish if income is generated by scheme activity and the potential for utilisation of these funds to cover project costs.
The outcomes of this review will provide a clear picture of the core funding required for each scheme. This will assist my Department in ensuring a fair distribution of the funding available for these schemes. I have given assurances to community and voluntary organisations that no Community Employment Scheme will close pending the completion of this review.
