Community Employment Schemes Review

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 June 2013

Thursday, 27 June 2013

Ceisteanna (153)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

153. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the ongoing difficulties being experienced by a project (details supplied) in Dublin 1; if she is aware that changes applied in 2012 in the entitlement rates for community employment participants has had a serious negative impact on recruitment of people for community after-school project schemes; if she is further aware that should these changes continue to be implemented it will mean the closure of the child care services, educational support programmes and adult training; and if she will ensure that her Department provides adequate assistance and retention of the above services to the community after-school project scheme, noting that the service provided is vital to a disadvantaged community and ensures that persons are provided with the tools to seek full-time employment. [31183/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

Over the last number of years a number of changes have been made to CE to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme. The overall number of places available under CE has been increased by 2,000 to 25,300 (including supervisors) in 2013 with a budget of circa €353m. The composition of participant numbers has changed in recent years with a decline in One Parent Family Clients and an increase in the take-up by persons on Jobseekers Allowance. The change in participation composition has proved challenging for some sponsors and the Department is working with these sponsors to assist them in filling the places already assigned to them.

The number of approved places on the Community After Schools Project (CASPr) has remained at 39 for the last 3 project years. The Local Intreo Office has also undertaken a special initiative to ensure that eligible persons for CE are made aware of the opportunities on CE and it is anticipated that this initiative will help raise the demand for CE in the area.

The Department continues its commitment to getting people back to work as set out in the Programme for Government and the Pathways to Work documents. The additional allocation of CE places provides for priority to be given to applicants who are referred to CE drugs rehabilitation, childcare and social care places. The take-up of CE places will be closely monitored in terms of impact. The Department is committed to reforming CE to ensure value for money, progression of the job seeker and support for community services.