Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Minister indicated that €360 million was spent on community employment schemes in 2011 but the provision in the budget is €315 million. Where a scheme can make the case for funding before the process has been completed, the cut will be €500. She cannot, therefore, claim that she is committing the same amount as last year.

Was the review group consulted on the Pathways to Work scheme launched last week in light of its impact on community employment schemes? Was the Minister aware of the plans to reform community employment schemes contained in the Pathways to Work document in advance of the announcement of cuts to these schemes in the budget?

It appears the Minister may be considering the emphasis in CE schemes away from job creation towards a broader social role.

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