David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. Community employment schemes have always been perceived as a labour market activation instrument. Is its value in supporting valuable social enterprise now a more dominant source of its benefits, particularly as we have close to full employment? The work done by community employment schemes in communities is very valuable. Should we be looking at ways of encouraging more people to take up these roles? There are limits as to how long they can stay in these roles. I understand that older people can stay on longer. Has any consideration being given to increasing the amount people are paid? I understand it is €27.50 per week extra on top of the social welfare payment which they get anyway. Perhaps it is time to improve this. Does the Minister of State agree that many schemes are finding it difficult to recruit people? They just cannot get them. This is having an impact on social enterprises throughout the country.

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