Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputies may be aware that this issue is currently being examined by the community sector high level forum, which is chaired by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

The Departments of Employment Affairs and Social Protection; Health; Education and Skills; and Housing, Planning and Local Government are represented in this group, as are Pobal, SIPTU and IMPACT. The forum last met on 23 November 2017 and a paper outlining the costs was presented. The unions have agreed to review the paper and revert on it as soon as possible. Following on from this, a meeting will be arranged between the trade unions and Deputy Donohoe as the Minister for Finance. It is important to point out that community employment scheme supervisors may qualify for a State pension, either means tested or contributory.

See this speech in context