Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

One would think from listening to the Minister that there is some higher power above the Minister, Government and national Parliament forcing these schemes to operate the way they do and tying the Minister's hands. The reality is it is within the power of the Minister, Government and Parliament to influence and mould these schemes and to shape them in a way that is appropriate. I am very proud it was my party that established the CE schemes in the first place because of the tremendous role they have gone on to play and the people within them who contribute on a daily basis to the local communities. We need to acknowledge how it has evolved and what is involved in it now and we need to ensure it can continue to fulfil that purpose. That requires amending it as appropriate. We should keep its job placement and empowerment potential while recognising it has another role to facilitate many people in the community who will not go on to other jobs and who contribute to their communities. Many of those people are forced to leave the scheme and are then not able to contribute or get a job. The Minister can change that and we are saying she should change it and look at it again.

Will the Minister comment on the supervisors who were in full-time jobs managing these schemes over the years? Will the Minister give us an update on the position on the 2008 Labour Court recommendation that required them to be provided with pensions? That is something the Government is yet to follow through on.

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