Community Employment Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2012

Tuesday, 12 June 2012

Ceisteanna (287)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

383 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of persons engaged in community employment or related training or education schemes throughout County Kildare; the extent to which she expects to be in a position to ensure the retention of all such places in view of the particularly high degree of professional management and occupational skills encompassed in the programme within County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28360/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Community employment schemes make a very important and valued contribution to social employment, training and progression for unemployed people. Community employment schemes provide valuable community services not only in Kildare but throughout the country.

The community employment programme continues to be the major provider of temporary work places for the unemployed. In County Kildare, 32 organisations currently employ 612 people in a variety of work projects at a total cost of funding of approximately €9,658,787 per annum.

There has been no reduction in the number of approved places for participation in CE programmes or to the number of supervisors and assistant supervisors nor has there been any reduction in the value of payments to participants or supervisory staff.

Figures for other activation schemes and initiatives in the county are as follows:

	Number
Back to Education Scheme	841
Self Employment	633
Back to Work Schemes	402
JobBridge	171
Springboard	93
Job Initiative	17