Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all colleagues who have come together today to support this very important topical issue. Critical to the success of community employment schemes nationally are the 1,250 supervisors who manage local projects on a day-to-day basis. These supervisors mentor, identify and source relevant training for participants and encourage progression to the workplace. Their work in all communities cannot be underestimated.

Unions representing community employment supervisors took a case to the Labour Court ten years ago seeking the provision of a pension scheme. The Labour Court recommended that an agreed pension scheme should be introduced. Not surprisingly, the workers concerned had a reasonable expectation that a pension scheme would be in place by now. Almost 250 supervisors have since retired with no pension provided. This year, between 30 and 40 supervisors will retire, again with no pension provision in place. After the decision was made, an initial capital sum of €10 million was identified to establish a pension scheme covering the period 2009 to 2011.

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With the economic crash hitting Ireland at the time, the capital sum was then used to address other issues. While Ireland's economic fortunes have greatly improved, the community employment, CE, supervisors recognised the ongoing constraints relating to the country's fiscal position. In this context, they are open to making a contribution to their pensions, despite the fact that the original understanding was the pensions would be provided on a non-contributory basis.

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