Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
655. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will instruct officials in her Department to enter negotiations with an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17081/13]
View answerThe person concerned was originally a participant on the Job Initiative scheme sponsored by KWCD Partnership and, in 2004, she became directly employed by the Partnership where she provided administrative support to the scheme. This Job Initiative scheme is now sponsored by Dublin 12 Congress Centre and it is funded by this Department. The Department agreed to grant to the person concerned from the scheme’s Administration and Training Grant until the completion of the then current contract which ended on June 1st 2012. The sponsors of the scheme were advised that the grant aid would cease on this date. All contracts for schemes are appraised on an annual basis and any contract and the terms contained within only have a maximum duration of one annual year.
Upon renewal, the current scheme contract was given approval for 49 workers who would be supported by funding for two full-time team leaders. The current ratios are in keeping with the recommended ratio of team leaders to workers which also includes the provision of administration. It is not possible to provide funding for additional administrative support.
The sponsors were informed of the decision prior to the cessation of funding and they have been corresponded with on a number of occasions regarding this matter. Accordingly, a meeting would not provide any further clarification and would serve no useful purpose.
