Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 228: To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to reform the community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25705/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The community employment programme makes an important contribution to the delivery of local services to communities across the country and provides significant employment and training opportunities for those engaged. I do not envisage any change that would impact on the nature or range of services delivered.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to reform local government including consideration of moving many of the functions currently being performed by agencies – such as community employment and enterprise supports – back to local government and any future consideration will have regard to that commitment. As with all programmes and schemes, community employment will be considered in the context of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review which is currently being finalised and may be affected by decisions made by the Government in its determination of the conclusion of that review. Additionally, I have already indicated that I will be looking at all programmes and schemes supporting those who are unemployed to see if they can be made more responsive to the needs of the individual in preparing them for a return to the labour market generally.