Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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I have a specific question concerning the financial reporting obligations of community employment schemes and the sponsoring organisations in that context. It is my understanding that small community employment schemes, given the size and the nature of these organisations, were not heretofore required to provide full and audited accounts. My information has come from a community employment scheme in my constituency of Mayo. The witnesses will be aware that such schemes are funded through Intreo and the Department of Social Protection. They have no other sources of income. The organisation in question has been contacted by the CRO, which stated that it is necessary for the scheme to provide full and audited accounts. This is the first time, however, that the organisation has been asked for such information.

The letter from the CRO refers to circular 13/2014 from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The circular itself, however, states in a footnote "that small community and voluntary groups will only have basic financial statements and receipts available as a basis for reporting". I am sure the witnesses can appreciate the administrative and financial burdens borne by community employment schemes in this context. The concern is that this reporting requirement will force some of these schemes to close. Therefore, I would appreciate it if the witnesses could bring clarity to this matter regarding the reporting obligations of these community employment schemes. It goes without saying, of course, that there must be full accountability where public money is allocated. Having said that, is there any flexibility possible in this regard concerning the reporting requirements to be followed by community employment schemes?