Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is an important programme. I like this programme and it is working well. Deputy Ó Cuív knows that what we give is a grant. We are not the employers. For me or the Department to commit to what Deputy Ó Cuív is asking for would cost €3 million. We are supporting 1,670 full-time jobs and we have 300 managers. That amounts to almost 2,000 people. A sum of €3 million is a great deal of money. At present, we have new organisations that want to come in on the programme. Some of the older organisations are being reviewed. I would have to find €3 million.

I will give one commitment to Deputy Ó Cuív. We are undertaking a review of the programme. No review of the programme has been done for a long time. However, I will have to find extra money if I am to meet and support his request.

We provided €600,000 to support groups that were finding it difficult to meet their costs, especially with regard to the minimum wage. Over 150 applications were received. We provided grant aid and supported over 100 of these. We are aware of the problem and we are providing support. However, to cover the cost of the minimum wage would cost me and the Department €3 million. If I were to provide €3 million, I would have to start looking at the 1,670 people on the scheme and the 300 managers. I would have to find that money some way. The only way I can find it is either by getting extra funding or reducing some of the schemes in place.

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