Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The final few points the Minister made are reminiscent of a familiar old mantra. When community employment and later, job initiative, JI, schemes were set up - Ruairí Quinn initially set up the social employment scheme, SES, in the mid-1980s - people did not realise they would become such a fundamental part of society in terms of local development, training, caring and childcare. I am a director of a number of such community companies. I was involved in them before I became involved in politics and have been all through my political career. Wonderful work is carried out that benefits both the individuals themselves through the training provided and their work in communities. That must be recognised.

The Minister referred to the Lansdowne Road agreement and the high-level forum chaired by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. We expected an outcome from that in late 2017. We had a Private Members' debate on a motion tabled by our Sinn Féin colleagues. The Minister quoted the potential cost put forward by IGEES of €400 million to €500 million but we estimated the cost to be much lower in budgetary terms and the issue must be revisited as a matter of urgency.

We are all deeply aware of, and grateful for, the work being carried out. Local groups are valiantly trying to support supervisors and assistant supervisors for the brilliant work they have done over decades. The issue is similar to a previous question on women's pensions pre-2012 and the Minister should acknowledge the situation and begin to move on it.

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