Community Employment Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 January 2012

Wednesday, 11 January 2012

Ceisteanna (417, 418)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

416 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the circular issued by FÁS in December 2011 informing community employment scheme sponsors of a reduced allocation of €500 per place materials and training grant and that for existing schemes claims for reimbursement of materials grant will be limited to €10 per participant per week; her views that this circular is contradictory to her assertion that no CE scheme will be affected by proposed budget cuts pending a review of each scheme; if she was in contact with FÁS prior to or since the issuing of this circular; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1143/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The circular issued by FÁS in December 2011 reflected the announcements made in Budget 2012. No Community Employment scheme will close pending the outcome of the financial review. This statement was also reflected in the circular issued.

There has been full consultation and contact between the Department and the staff involved in the Community Employment programme. These staff consultations include previous staff members of FÁS who are now part of the staff of the Department of Social Protection and come within the operating and reporting structure of the Department. As a result, all future communications in relation to Community Employment will be from Departmental staff.

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

417 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection the criteria she has prepared for use by FÁS in assessing the viability of community employment schemes; the resources that will be invested by FÁS in the assessment of each scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1144/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The terms of reference for the financial review of Community Employment schemes is being prepared by Department officials and will be completed shortly.

This financial review of Community Employment schemes announced will in the first instance be carried out at local level between regional Department of Social Protection staff and each Sponsor. This will involve a meeting with each Sponsor and the gathering of information relating to the operation and the services delivered by each project.

In addition, during the financial review process Department staff will undertake consultations with the main stakeholders including other Government Departments and agencies on whose behalf services are delivered to local communities with the support of Community Employment.