Community Employment Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2023

Thursday, 30 November 2023

Ceisteanna (406, 408, 416)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

406. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on a proposal (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52923/23]

Alan Dillon

Ceist:

408. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on discussions with RSS and TUS supervisors in relation to pay claims; when this issue will be resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52928/23]

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

416. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on the proposal submitted by the rural social scheme and Tús supervisors to her Department for pay parity with community employment supervisors, who earn 15% more following discussions over the past two years through a tripartite forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53115/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 406, 408 and 416 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 Deputies, 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 21st 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 Deputies 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.