Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for his contribution. I will respond on behalf of the Minister for Social Protection who is, unfortunately, not present. I will bring the Deputy's views to her attention.

The financial review of community employment schemes is very near to completion. The review has proved to be a valuable exercise for both the schemes and the Department. Given the volume and breadth of the data being returned, the review has taken longer to complete than originally envisaged. This has allowed more time for schemes to engage with local officials in the finalisation of their respective budgets and the Department to bring forward improvements to the overall operation of the community employment programme which will improve the budgetary position for schemes.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the review is of interest and importance to the many individuals involved. Accordingly, the Minister is not in a position to provide an outline of its content prior to its publication. However, it is important to note that savings can be made in the operation of community employment schemes.

Owing to the current economic circumstances, the Department has had to find significant savings in the budget for 2012. However, the allowance grants for supervisors are unchanged, as are working hours for staff employed under community employment schemes. There will also be no decrease in the number of community employment scheme places allocated in 2012.

While no final allocations of materials and training grants have been made pending completion of the financial review, the existing commitment to the financial support of schemes will continue to apply. The Department is committed to supporting community employment scheme participants and sponsors in continuing the valuable contribution the programme makes to individuals and communities.

The findings of the separate labour market activation schemes policy review will also inform the Department's decisions on the community employment programme. The Minister will ensure stakeholders will be able to contribute and respond to the findings of the review. I take on board the Deputy's point with regard to SIPTU and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

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