Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this very topical debate. It will bring certainty to the issue and that has not been there until now. Neither Sinn Féin or the independents have a monopoly on this issue. CE schemes are in every town and village and they affect every one of us. They have been in existence for more than 20 years and they have been of great benefit to every part of the country. Many people have gained employment at every level as a result of the schemes. For example, in County Carlow, the Delta Centre provides services to adults with intellectual disabilities. There are currently 12 CE employees out of a workforce of 80. It is worth noting that 70% of the permanent staff have progressed through the CE schemes. Progression is very important.

Carlow Regional Youth Service supports and promotes community based youth work, providing essential services to youth in a particular area. In the past year, 70% of the people involved in its schemes progressed to full employment, including one employee who started work on 1 February with Bank of Ireland, which is unusual. As a former chairman of the Carlow County Board of the GAA, I have first-hand experience of CE schemes in every big and small club in my county. They provide great help in the area. Without the CE schemes, they would not thrive.

The review is very important. It will focus the mind strongly. It is important to remember that one size does not fit all. I am aware of this from a sporting point of view, but there is a big difference between sporting clubs and organisations catering for people with disabilities or who are involved in the health services. I would welcome the Minister's commitment as a result of the review that funding will most likely not be provided on an individual basis. Every scheme I have mentioned that is involved in the health service will come up to the mark. When the funding is provided for schemes where the services are required, that will be very important, rather than providing money on an individual basis.

We all know that there are some schemes which are not providing the service they should provide. That needs to be tidied up. We do not have enough funds to keep the ship floating. It is important that we get best value for money and this review will ensure that happens. As a result of this review, I am happy that the important health care services will continue to be provided. I am also happy that between now and the end of the review, the Minister has committed a €1,000 top-up to the schemes that definitely need it.

The scheme needs to be tidied up. We need to have certainty and this debate tonight will bring that certainty.

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