Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 207: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to implement the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditures proposals on cutbacks in the community sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33763/09]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 235: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will ensure that a recommendation of a proposal contained in the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes Report regarding the future of 46 voluntary and community programmes will not be implemented; if her attention has been drawn to the importance of the operation of the community employment schemes in these areas and ensure that they continue as heretofore; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34557/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 207, 221 and 235 together.

The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes Report has no recommendations to alter the eligibility criteria for participating on the mainstream Community Employment (CE) programme nor on the special status drug CE programmes. It does, however, recommend the removal of the dual-entitlement to certain social welfare payments while participating on CE. The McCarthy Report will inform the 2010 Estimates process which is not yet complete.

The recommendations in the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes Report with regard to the 46 voluntary and community programmes refer to programmes under the aegis of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.