Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 December 2020
219. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the criteria used to determine if a community employment project can have an increased materials grant per participant and per project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43738/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity Employment (CE) supports projects that provide work experience for long term unemployed persons to assist them entering the open labour market on exit from the CE scheme, while at the same time providing valuable community services. These can be in the areas such as social care, childcare services, heritage, arts, culture, tourism, sport and the environment. The programme is delivered through independent CE sponsoring authorities that operate in the community and voluntary sector.
CE sponsoring authorities receive annual contracts from my Department which fund the employment of both CE participants and CE supervisors. Funding is also provided towards training and material costs. The materials grant is a contribution towards the running costs of the scheme and covers consumable services and materials necessary for the effective operation of the CE project including such items as Employers and Public Liability Insurances, tools, stationery, audit fees, bank charges (excluding bank interest), protective clothing and the hiring of equipment.
Materials funding is provided to CE sponsoring authorities in accordance with their requirements, where necessary. The Department provided an additional materials funding of €2 million in Budget 2019 and this additional provision was allocated to the projects that identified a requirement for additional materials funding.
If a CE sponsoring authority is seeking further funding under the materials grant, they should make an application through the Department's Community Development Officer assigned to them.
If the Deputy’s question relates to a particular CE sponsoring authority he can forward the related details to my officials, who will follow up with the relevant area.
