John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to use my time to welcome the update which I received from the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys, over the weekend in relation to community employment, CE, supervisors. I know the Leader knows the issue only too well from her previous role as Minister for Social Protection.It is a hugely significant step that we are finally seeing progress on this matter. It was a big issue, of course, in the general election last year and I know everyone on all sides of the House will welcome the progress that has been made. Knowing that proposals are now on the table is very welcome. Everyone in the House will also acknowledge the valuable and dedicated service that community employment participants and supervisors provide for their local areas. The services and training in local communities are often provided to many people who have been locked out of the employment market. It is a critical area into which we are putting even more resources this year, which is very welcome, particularly in the context of recovering from the pandemic. Many of the services have operated fully throughout the pandemic and thank all of the participants, supervisors and assistant supervisors for going above and beyond throughout the pandemic in the work they have done to provide services in their local communities. I understand the Department will engage with the trade unions today and put proposals to them and the unions will speak to their members in due course. I wish everyone involved all the best over the coming days and weeks. I hope these proposals will finally bring a resolution to this long-standing issue.