Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2009
207 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to implement the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditures proposals on cutbacks in the community sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33763/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra221 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has made a decision on the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes proposals relating to eligibility for community employment schemes; if she will take into consideration that the proposed change will lead to the closure of the special status drug community employment programmes which provide services to just less than 1,000 recovering drug users. [34183/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra235 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will ensure that a recommendation of a proposal contained in the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes Report regarding the future of 46 voluntary and community programmes will not be implemented; if her attention has been drawn to the importance of the operation of the community employment schemes in these areas and ensure that they continue as heretofore; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34557/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 207, 221 and 235 together.
The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes Report has no recommendations to alter the eligibility criteria for participating on the mainstream Community Employment (CE) programme nor on the special status drug CE programmes. It does, however, recommend the removal of the dual-entitlement to certain social welfare payments while participating on CE. The McCarthy Report will inform the 2010 Estimates process which is not yet complete.
The recommendations in the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes Report with regard to the 46 voluntary and community programmes refer to programmes under the aegis of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
