Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 396: To ask the Minister for Social Protection in view of a circular issued to all community employment supervisors this week, if she will advise the cuts that are to be implemented on the various schemes; and when these cuts will take place. [4027/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The circular issued by FÁS in December 2011 reflected the announcements made in Budget 2012. The Budget 2012 sets out the reductions in the CE budget and changes to Social Welfare Payments that may also affect current and new CE participants (e.g. reduction in Materials & Training grant to €500, removal of concurrent payments, etc.).

Changes to CE allowances for new CE Participants take affect from 16 January 2012 as per the Budget. Changes in respect of the Materials and Training budget are effective from January 2012 but as part of the incorporation of the FÁS Community Services unit into my Department, I have asked that each CE scheme is reviewed to establish their financial viability. As stated, no Community Employment scheme will close pending the outcome of this financial review.