Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Question 384: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of community employment schemes will be unable to continue until the end of March due to lack of funding; her plans to provide emergency funding to keep those schemes in operation until the current review is completed at the end of March; her views on whether it is misleading to state that no community employment scheme will close as a result of the budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3951/12]

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.