Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for briefing us so comprehensively. It has been very valuable to hear both sides, from the Department and the witnesses. This is an issue of great interest to Deputies and Senators because we can see the value of community employment schemes in our constituencies. They have become professional over the years, and now have a formal training and education structure whereby people reach various levels. We will keep on top of this issue because like the witnesses and the Department we were also taken by surprise last year. We have learned much from this. We will send the presentations made today and a transcript of the meeting to the Minister for Social Protection and we will ask her to comment. She will come before the committee at a future date and we will raise the issue with her then and do our best to ensure the sector is protected.