Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2012
131 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection if the review of labour market activation policy, including community employment, has concluded; the key findings of the review process to date; the steps she will take in terms of policy or funding decisions; and if she intends to publish the full report. [28039/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that this review is at advanced draft stage. When finalised, it will be submitted to me for consideration of its conclusions and recommendation and then considered by Government. It is my intention to engage in consultation with stakeholders once the report is published, which I intend to do.
Responsibility for Community Employment Schemes transferred to the Department with effect from 1 January 2012. Since the transfer of Community Employment to the Department, DSP staff, including former FÁS staff, have been involved in a series of discussions with CE sponsors. These discussions have shown that while notionally focused on activation, in reality Community Employment programmes deliver a range of services from childcare, healthcare, drugs support to environmental works.
