Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2012
388 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reverse reductions to community employment schemes which operate within the Centre for Independent Living Network; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21792/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI acknowledge the valuable contribution made by Community Employment (CE) Projects such as the Centres for Independent Living (CIL) in providing a service to both participants and the community. However due to the current economic circumstances, the Department has had to find significant savings in the Budget for 2012. The reduction only applies to the grant for materials and training and represents a reduction of 7.5% of the overall expenditure on CE in 2011. The allowance grants for Supervisors are unchanged, as are the working hours for staff employed under CE. Department officials have met with representatives of CIL on a number of occasions and are aware of the challenges facing these centres and are supportive within the parameters set down for CE. There will be no decrease in the number of CE places allocated to CIL in 2012.
