Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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Question 306: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the cutbacks to the community employment scheme, the community services programme, the rural social scheme, local employment service networks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30306/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I can confirm that there have been no cutbacks in the number of participants on the various schemes in 2011. The community employment scheme currently provides opportunities for 23,300 people, the community services programme supports the employment of an estimated 2,800 people and 2,730 continue to be engaged on the rural social scheme. The Local Employment Service operates through Local Development Companies on contract from FÁS with the objective of providing services to those most disadvantaged in the labour market. There have been no cutbacks in the funds provided in 2011. Future funding for all schemes and initiatives are matters to be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget.