Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this motion. The value of the community employment schemes cannot be underestimated. They have allowed communities to remain vibrant and empowered people to carry out vital projects, deliver services and provide support for voluntary centres, carers, crèches, elderly day care centres, tidy towns, meals on wheels and numerous other activities. The proposed reduction of 66% will have a devastating effect on all categories of people and their quality of life. It will result in the closure of thousands of voluntary community services around the country.

I give credit to the Government for its emphasis on getting the unemployed back to work but this unnecessary cutback flies in the face of its aspirations to develop work and practical skills. I urge the Government to reverse this regressive anti-community measure. The Minister of State with responsibility for community employment schemes, Deputy Cannon, fully realises the negative impact this measure will have, as he is a rural Deputy who has seen the positivity and social and economic enhancement provided by the schemes in his own constituency in the west. I urge him, as the Minister of State, to use all his negotiating skills and powers in co-operation with the Taoiseach and his fellow Ministers to reverse this measure. The potential that exists to further advance and maintain these schemes to increase their employment potential and enhance the quality of life of all the people I have referred to is immeasurable.

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