Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Following the announcement of cuts to community employment schemes in the budget, a campaign against the proposed cuts was launched by supervisors and participants in the schemes and trade unions. The Minister gave a commitment to complete a review of community employment schemes by the end of March and stated on a number of occasions that individual schemes would not close and that additional funding would be provided for those schemes which required it. According to SIPTU and those involved in community employment schemes, additional funding is not being provided and projects are not being given the funding they need to remain open.

The 60% cut in the funding available for education, training and materials, from €1,500 to €500, has major implications for community employment schemes. I understand it may be possible for participants to source a further €500, but we do not have much information in this regard. Six months after the budget announcements and nearly three months after the review was to be completed - I am informed it has been completed - its findings have not seen the light of day.

Community employment schemes must also contend with the troika sponsored review of labour activation measures. To date, there has not been significant engagement with community employment schemes or the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. The indications are that the financial review has not shown that the Government cuts can be achieved because there is little in the schemes that can be cut. Will schemes be closed if they are considered unviable?

The decision to slash funding available for education, training and materials has killed off the chance of progression or involvement in education or training for participants in community employment schemes. This was one of the main benefits of such schemes.

We are informed that the troika review includes a proposal that participation in community employment schemes be restricted to one year, with the exception of persons with a disability where participation should be restricted to two years and persons engaged in drug rehabilitation where participation should be limited to three years. Will the Minister of State indicate whether this recommendation has been made?

The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, must come clean and state clearly, as she promised to do, what are the contents of the financial report. When will we have sight of the report and when will Deputies be able to debate it? Will the Minister of State give a commitment that Government representatives will engage with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on this matter?

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for his contribution. I will respond on behalf of the Minister for Social Protection who is, unfortunately, not present. I will bring the Deputy's views to her attention.

The financial review of community employment schemes is very near to completion. The review has proved to be a valuable exercise for both the schemes and the Department. Given the volume and breadth of the data being returned, the review has taken longer to complete than originally envisaged. This has allowed more time for schemes to engage with local officials in the finalisation of their respective budgets and the Department to bring forward improvements to the overall operation of the community employment programme which will improve the budgetary position for schemes.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the review is of interest and importance to the many individuals involved. Accordingly, the Minister is not in a position to provide an outline of its content prior to its publication. However, it is important to note that savings can be made in the operation of community employment schemes.

Owing to the current economic circumstances, the Department has had to find significant savings in the budget for 2012. However, the allowance grants for supervisors are unchanged, as are working hours for staff employed under community employment schemes. There will also be no decrease in the number of community employment scheme places allocated in 2012.

While no final allocations of materials and training grants have been made pending completion of the financial review, the existing commitment to the financial support of schemes will continue to apply. The Department is committed to supporting community employment scheme participants and sponsors in continuing the valuable contribution the programme makes to individuals and communities.

The findings of the separate labour market activation schemes policy review will also inform the Department's decisions on the community employment programme. The Minister will ensure stakeholders will be able to contribute and respond to the findings of the review. I take on board the Deputy's point with regard to SIPTU and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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I welcome the commitment given by the Minister of State on behalf of the Minister for Social Protection that there will be no decrease in the number of community employment places allocated in 2012. That is important because most of those schemes provide vital services. The delay in the report is causing problems and is unacceptable. Despite the fact there is a commitment to financial support to keep schemes going, schemes are running into trouble and it is important we have the opportunity to debate the report.

The Minister of State has indicated the Department will engage with the unions on the process. They certainly have complained about it. I ask him and the Minister to do all they can to ensure the survival of the mainstream community employment schemes. Surely it is better to get people to do work that is socially useful and to receive training at the same time during a recession, enabling them to move back into employment, rather than passing the time away.

There is a particular problem with the drugs rehabilitation projects in inner city areas. Although I do not represent an inner city area, people from those areas have come to us about these problems. I would like the Minister of State to bring that information back to the Minister for Social Protection and ensure that is protected.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I assure the Deputy his comments will be brought to the attention of the Minister. I accept all the points he made, especially when he spoke about people who need special rehabilitation. The schemes are very useful to help these people along. The Minister will be made aware of his views.