Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am very concerned about the reports on cost-saving measures in the context of labour activation schemes. When I heard the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Pachal Donohoe, say the so-called labour activation schemes facing the axe included Tús and Gateway, schemes overseen by the Department of Social Protection, I was concerned. We have made huge progress in reducing the level of unemployment and should not be talking about cuts to labour activation schemes. We should be redesigning them to ensure investment to help the long-term unemployed. I am very concerned that we are not having a discussion on or that there is not an internal review of how pet projects for Fine Gael will be funded and which long-term projects, including community projects, will be cut. When Minister of State in the Department of Social Protection I saw the great work done under Tús schemes in towns and villages the length of breadth of the country to keep people in touch with and connected to the employment market. Whether it was with Tidy Towns committees, helping in nursing homes or in general clean-ups, local communities and participants saw the benefitsm yet we are now talking about cutting schemes. I have continuously raised the issue of community employment. In many cases, the work carried out under community employment schemes constitutes a real job. Community centres would not be able to open without community employment scheme participants. GAA pitches would not be marked out, while the local GAA club's sports hall would not be opened. We are seeing internal cost-cutting measures being taken without a proper debate. It is time for the Minister, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, to come to the House for a discussion on the cuts about which he is talking. He says funds will have to be saved within Departments. There is an expanding wage bill in An Garda Síochána. If savings will have to be made within An Garda Síochána, will we see the college in Templemore close again, as happened under Fianna Fáil? It was reopened under the last Government. Exactly what cost-saving measures are being talked about? I agree fully that we should constantly review all Government programmes to make sure they are fit for purpose. However, there must also be an appreciation of the services provided in every community. Will the Leader ask the Minister to come to the House for a debate and a proper discussion on the cost-saving measures he has asked Ministers to implement across Departments prior to the next budget?This must be done as soon as possible.