Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 227: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a request (details supplied) regarding community employment schemes. [32919/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Artane Coolock Resource Development Centre is primarily a family resource centre funded under the Family Support Agency. The centre receives a range of additional supports specific to other services that it provides. The Centre is not part of the community employment programme operated by FÁS.

My understanding is that the centre is seeking funding, or similar support, to recruit extra staff to service ever increasing demand on its current staffing levels and volunteer team. The centre has a number of options that it may wish to explore. Although there is an overall limit on the number of participants on community employment, opportunities do arise as participants complete their terms. I have been informed that contact has already been made with FÁS in this regard. The community services programme, funded by my Department, provides sustainable options to resource centres of this type, particularly where a non-public stream of income can be generated from the services offered to the public. Although there has been no public call for new proposals under this programme in recent years, my Department is in a position to respond where established providers wish to enhance the services they offer or are responding to increasing demands arising from difficult economic circumstances. Northside Partnership is tasked with the delivery of Tús, the new community work placement initiative in part of the Dublin North region. I understand that the centre has made an application to Northside Partnership but that persons with suitable skills have not yet been identified. I have asked my officials to make contact with the centre and Northside Partnership with a view to examining the opportunities to meet the need of the centre for additional supports.