Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

First, I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak in this important debate on community employment schemes. At the outset, I thank and commend Sinn Féin on bringing this matter before the House for this two-day debate. In addition, I hope the Minister and the Government will listen to the people on the ground, particularly those who are involved in community employment schemes. I must declare a special interest as I have been a voluntary director of the Northside Centre for the Unemployed in Coolock for more than 20 years. I am familiar with the valuable work carried out by those involved in community employment schemes. Only today, one of my constituents contacted me about his wife, who is a participant in a community employment scheme. I am glad the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, is listening to this point. My constituent stated that last week the participants in his wife's community employment scheme did not get paid on the normal day, which is Thursday. No explanation was forthcoming and they eventually were paid on Friday. This week, the workers received a call to inform them their pay may not reach their bank accounts until next Monday as apparently, the community employment scheme overdraft has been cancelled by the bank. My constituent asked whether this is a new tactic being employed by the Department of Social Protection and others to save money at the expense of the people who need it most and stated it was a bloody disgrace. I raise this issue in this debate because it is important that people engaged in community employment schemes receive support, equality and respect.

In the real world, I visited Coolock last Monday where I listened to details of a highly valuable community employment scheme. It has dealt with many people who are at risk. Although it deals with dysfunctional people, that is, people with major problems in their personal lives in respect of finances and personal issues, at the same time, 66% of those involved came through the scheme and began to go out to work in the morning. Many of them commented it was a new lease of life for them and for their families. This is the positive side of community employment schemes and this also makes a positive contribution to the north side. Tonight, I call on the Government to reverse immediately the cut of 66% to community employment schemes' training and materials budget and to reinstate immediately the training and materials budget to 2011 levels. I also note the Department of Social Protection's review is creating confusion and frustration. Finally, I urge all Members to support this motion to ensure that all people participating in community employment schemes are treated with respect and dignity.

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