Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand. There needs to be the same criteria for both. We will put a watch on that, as we do not want to be tied into a situation where we do not have the funding or where we get into difficulties because we are implementing the scheme but the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is making the ground rules.

Regarding the CSP, we gave an additional €1 million to the most financially vulnerable organisations to assist them in meeting the minimum wage condition. We did that through Pobal. We did not ask groups to make applications. Instead, Pobal had their information, sat down with them and did the job for me. To be fair, there is also a review of the CSP under way. Deputies will give out about all of the reviews that are happening, but I want this one to be completed by mid-September. I need to find out what are the difficulties. The minimum wage issue is turning out to be a significant one. Were I to fund that condition now, it would cost me €4 million more. If we are to do anything on this matter next year, I will have to do so with the Minister for Finance when budget time comes. As Deputy Ó Cuív knows, the CSP is meant to be only a contribution. We are not the employer. These services do a good job. I must be careful. We give €32,000 for the manager and €19,033 for an individual worker. My Department provides a substantial amount of money. I will have to negotiate with the Department of Finance regarding the minimum wage.

The Chairman discussed another scheme we needed to take on. Like the RSI, rural transport would be a better fit in my Department. A few other schemes would fit into my Department nicely. This is something the Government needs to review now that the Department is up and running. The Department is working well. I compliment the staff on the tremendous work, effort and commitment they have put into it. It has been difficult. Mine is the first new Department in a while. When the Department of Children and Youth Affairs was formulated, at least there was Deputy Ó Cuív's old Department from which to start. Mine was established from the bottom up. My officials worked under difficult circumstances. From top to bottom, we have a tremendous team. With the Secretary General, assistant secretaries and other staff, we have a committed workforce in Ballina and Dublin. It has been difficult, as there have been many moves, but whoever inherits it will get a good Department.

I believe I addressed the six Clare Bus jobs.

The CSP is a great programme that provides services where county councils, the HSE and other parts of the State will not. However, I must be careful that a project under it does not displace any existing business. I regularly get complaints about us funding groups that compete against businesses that are employing people and paying their taxes and rates. It is a great scheme, though, and is working well. I would like further funding for it. Some community service projects are finding it difficult to replace retirees. Now that unemployment has decreased from 15.5% to almost 5%, it is creating a problem.