Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 341: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will acknowledge the important role played by community employment schemes in communities throughout the country, particularly the help that has been given to disadvantaged areas, the less well off, the elderly and the disabled, community groups, sports clubs, tidy towns committees and so on and in the provision of training and progression for unemployed persons into full employment, by immediately reversing the decision to cut the funding for these schemes by 66% in budget 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3481/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Community Employment schemes provide a very important and valued contribution to social employment, training and progression for unemployed people. Furthermore, many Community Employment schemes provide vital community services right across the country. There are currently 1,143 CE schemes in operation nationally with 23,300 participants. I have protected the number of places on CE so that the most vulnerable in our society can continue to avail of Community Employment and provide value services to their communities. There are no reductions in the number of CE places for 2012.

Following on from changes to the materials grant for Community Employment schemes announced in Budget 2012, I have directed that an initial review of the financial resources of all schemes this is now ongoing and will be completed in March 2012. It is also being carried out in the context that there are community and voluntary sponsoring organisations that receive funding from a multiplicity of state agencies. Alternative sources of support will be examined, particularly with reference to funding from other state agencies to avoid duplication. The review will also seek to establish if income is generated by scheme activity and the potential for utilisation of these funds to cover project costs.

The outcomes of this review will provide a clear picture of the core funding required for each scheme. This will assist my Department in ensuring a fair distribution of the funding available for these schemes. I have given assurances to community and voluntary organisations that no Community Employment Scheme will close pending the completion of this review.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 342: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will review or postpone the cuts to community employment schemes (details supplied). [3494/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Community Employment programme provides a very important and valued contribution to social employment, training and progression for unemployed people. Furthermore, many Community Employment schemes provide vital community services right across the country. There are currently 1,143 CE schemes in operation nationally with 23,300 participants. The overall estimated budget stands at €315,194 million for 2012.

Currently, there is an initial review of the financial resources of all schemes to be completed in March 2012 to identify any scheme funding shortfalls. As stated previously, I have made a commitment that no Community Employment Scheme would close pending the completion of this review. Where schemes are experiencing funding difficulties they should contact the local Community Development Officer.