Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the motion. I concur with much of what has been stated about the importance of community employment schemes at local level. I draw the Minister's attention to an important aspect of the schemes, namely, the role of supervisors. As she is aware, supervisors have been left in limbo, particularly those who have retired. In 2008 the Labour Court recommended that supervisors receive a pension, but the matter has not progressed. While the review is under way during the coming months and years, I encourage the Minister and her office to consider the role of supervisors. They hold permanent positions in the public service, yet that are in limbo because the change recommended by the Labour Court has not been made.

I welcome the Minister's commitment in respect of the review, but, as many Deputies have stated, to put it mildly, communication between the Department and community employment schemes has not been good. Departmental officials should view the review as an opportunity to open the channels of communication. While efficiencies of scale are necessary, much could be done by the Minister to encourage better communication. For example, while all schemes are currently required to produce audited accounts, they cannot adopt a collective bargaining position whereby a number of them might seek a marked down price in return for giving an auditor their collective business. Likewise, they are unable to engage in collective bargaining for the purpose of purchasing materials. If their hands were not shackled in this manner, they could find a range of ways in which to secure savings. If schemes in rural areas in particular are allowed to pool resources to purchase services and materials, the savings the Minister requires could easily be achieved.

See this speech in context