Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 November 2023
98. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on a proposal put to her Department (details supplied); if she will advise on engagement with organisations as part of discussions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52743/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra99. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on a case (details supplied); if she will advise on engagement with relevant organisations as part of discussions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52744/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 99 together.
Officials from my Department hold regular meetings with representative associations to discuss issues of mutual interest in relation to the delivery of all employment programmes; Community employment (CE), Job Initiative (JI), the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) and Tús. With regard to the issues raised by the Deputy, the Department has ongoing talks as a partner in a tripartite group, involving SIPTU (representing the scheme supervisors) and the ILDN (representing the Implementing Bodies). The most recent meeting was held on 19th October 2023.
A follow up meeting, scheduled for 21 November was postponed in order to allow time for further discussion on issues relating to pay and conditions within the Department and with other interested parties. Departmental officials will be in touch with the tripartite members shortly to arrange a follow up meeting date.
The Deputy will also be aware that all supervisors and assistant supervisors employed on CE, JI, Tús and RSS schemes have received a 5% pay increase in 2023, which has been made possible through the provision of additional grant funding from my Department.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the work undertaken by supervisors on all employment schemes is valued and makes an important contribution to participants and communities across the State.
I trust that this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
