Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I said, we are engaging with the supervisors and, in fairness, my Department works very closely with them. I am aware there were a number of issues in one scheme in the midlands only a couple of weeks ago and we had direct involvement. We were able to give them the necessary support and information and bring clarification to a number of issues.

We want to continue to work with them because they provide an absolutely vital service. It is not just all about job activation, it is also about social inclusion. They provide a really wonderful service in other areas of society. That is something we need to look at in terms of the overall CE schemes because they are performing a dual purpose at present. I am aware there was a review a number of years ago and good changes have been made in terms of older people who may be allowed to remain longer on these schemes. Having said that, however, it is an opportunity to have another look on how we can improve them. We are all about how we can do things better here.

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