Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I thank Deputy McDonald for allowing me time to discuss this issue. As she has indicated, it is a matter that concerns CASPr, where many people have been employed in the context of a special project. In addition, a meeting of the local drugs task force in the north inner city was held this morning and it was stated it had not been consulted with regard to the review mechanism and the nine points of eligibility now proposed for special projects and their interconnection with mainstreamed community employment schemes. Consequently, there appears to be a gap between the best of intentions and consultation and awareness among those delivering these services. In particular, Deputy McDonald and I met representatives of CASPr the week before last to discuss this matter. They were concerned that it would have a detrimental impact and that no proper consultation on the matter had taken place with CASPr or other service providers. It appears as though there was a degree of consultation but that it did not involve the direct service providers. It involved one umbrella group but not necessarily those at the coalface. The representatives of CASPr seek an opportunity to have an input into the new adjustments being proposed and suggest the review should take place after consultations with them and after they have been made fully aware of what is being proposed. Consequently, I would welcome a positive response from the Minister of State on the matter.

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