Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding cuts to community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40335/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Due to the current economic circumstances and the need for the Department of Social Protection to find savings of €475 million in Budget 2012, it was necessary to examine all aspects of the Department's expenditure. As a result Budget 2012 contained a reduction in the Community Employment (CE) materials and training grants from €1,500 to €500 per participant per annum. The implementation of the cut to the CE materials and training grant will result in an annual saving of €27.5 million and represents a cut of 7.5% in the total 2011 CE budget of €360 million.

Despite this change the Department of Social Protection will be spending in excess of €960 million on employment supports (including CE schemes) in 2012, up from €882 million in 2011.

My Department will seek to minimise the effects of these changes on those schemes most affected and will examine the income and expenditure of schemes with reference to their capacity to absorb the changes made to the grant. The National Training Fund will provide €4.2 million for training on CE in 2012. In addition, SOLAS will continue to provide access to its training programmes to CE participants.

The need for training on CE varies depending on the needs of participants and how long they have already been on the scheme and the training already received. Progression to employment is the key aim of the Government and there is a need to ensure that the supports we have in place aim to improve substantially individuals' chances of securing employment. Forfas published its "Review of Labour Market Programmes" last year which showed that CE participant's progression into employment is low and is only 3% higher than individuals who remain on the Live Register. There needs, therefore, to be a better focus on progression and value for money and this requirement will inform considerations in this area.