Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Ó Cuív knows that I inherited this scheme on 1 January. A total of €46.2 million came with the scheme. I increased the allocation by €850,000 to bring in 12 new organisations. It was the first call since 2008. There had been no call for new schemes since 2008. Deputy Ó Cuív knows that the period between 2013 and 2015 was difficult for both the economy and the country in general. I inherited this scheme and I have increased the funding for it this year.

I will go back to Government and seek further funding. I am going to have this scheme reviewed. I am going to see what I can do in respect of the minimum wage. However, I am keen to make clear and to put on the record of the Dáil that we are not the employers. We support the schemes. Deputy Ó Cuív is correct. These schemes cover a social aspect that neither Government nor state agencies cover. Without these schemes, we would have a major difficulty so I want to support them. When the review takes place, that is one of the things I will be examining.

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