Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012
430 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of community employment schemes in County Clare that have availed of or have been awarded to date a discretionary increase in materials and training grant from the 2012 Budget allocation of €500 per participant as per her circular of 3 February 2012 last; and if she will report on the increased amounts awarded to date. [25467/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following schemes in Clare requested and were facilitated with a meeting by officials from the Department regarding difficulties in funding arising from the reduction of the Community Employment materials grant:
1. Mountshannon Community Council;
2. Congress Information and Opportunity Centre;
3. Mid Clare Way.
Congress Information and Opportunity Centre were awarded an additional €900 to their budget while Mid Clare Way were approved for an additional €400.
Mountshannon Community Council were requested to come back to the Department with a detailed breakdown of funds required. To date, this has not been received.
A meeting is arranged for Tuesday, 22nd May with Carron New Quay CE Scheme to discuss the financial issues on the project.
431 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress on centralising purchasing through the materials allocation of shared and common services for community employment schemes such as insurance, broadband provision and payroll software. [25470/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe majority of Community Employment projects are managed and operated by third party limited companies and the remainder by Public and Local Government bodies. As such my Department have no direct role in purchasing materials or services for these organisations. The funding of the Community Employment programme is by way of ‘grants towards' allowances, wages, materials and training. In deciding the amount of such grants Department officials continuously monitor and approve these grants in line with market conditions and obtaining value for money. Department officials also monitor and review the operating guidelines in order to minimise the costs to these organisations in operating a CE scheme.
As a result, significant savings are being achieved in relation to insurance and audit costs. Further savings are envisaged in relation to bank charges. There continues to be an onus on the scheme providers to achieve best value for money for taxpayer's funds. Such savings can be achieved in the current marketplace for the provision of business services such as broadband, electricity and phone through efficient procurement procedures.
