Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 February 2012
104 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a value for money audit will be carried out on each community employment scheme as part of the independent assessment on CE schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5734/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have directed that a review of the financial resources of individual community employment schemes be completed by the end of March of this year. The purpose of the review is to examine the income and funding of sponsoring organisations in terms of their ability to continue to deliver the programme. As part of the review alternative sources of support will be examined, particularly the level of funding from other State agencies. 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 outcome of each review will provide a clear picture of the core funding required for each CE scheme. This will assist my Department in ensuring a fair distribution of the funding available for these schemes. This review is undertaken by staff of the Department working locally in the CE area. They are therefore familiar with the schemes.
105 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding redundancy packages for supervisors of community employment schemes; the person who has responsibility for redundancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5735/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupervisors of Community Employment schemes are employed by independent, community and voluntary organisations. As such these sponsoring groups are the employer and are bound by employment legislation and requirements, including Redundancy legislation.
It is the responsibility of the employer to pay statutory redundancy to all eligible employees. An employer who pays statutory redundancy payments to employees is then entitled to a rebate from the State of a percentage of the relevant amount.
Where an employer can prove to the satisfaction of the Department that he/she is unable to pay the statutory redundancy to his/her employees the Department will make lump sum payments directly to the employees and will seek to recover the debt from the employer. To prove inability to pay the employer must submit documentary evidence to confirm that this is the position.
