Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak, although briefly, on this motion. I welcome the community employment scheme supervisors to the Gallery and thank them for the invaluable work they are doing in our communities. Community employment scheme participants provide an invaluable service in our communities, whether its through GAA clubs, Tidy Towns, childcare and so forth. The schemes face significant challenges, however. They have had their resources cut and they are finding it harder to recruit participants because of changes introduced by the previous Government. The Government does not acknowledge the great work these community schemes have done. The 1,200 supervisors motivate and encourage the scheme's participants to ensure our communities get this service.

Over ten years ago, the Labour Court made a recommendation that a pension should be introduced for community employment scheme supervisors. However, ten years on they are still waiting. They have demonstrated their community ethos through the very patience they have displayed over the past ten years.

Time and time again, the Government cites that it needs to refer matters to the Labour Court because it is the independent mechanism to adjudicate on disputes between the State and the people who work for the State. If so, why after ten years, has it failed to implement the recommendations in question? The Government must work with this side of the House, accept the Labour Court recommendation and give those supervisors in the Gallery what they are due.

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