Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding community employment schemes (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6083/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Community Employment (CE) is a valuable resource in the provision of a range of services to communities. However it is acknowledged that its effectiveness in terms of labour market progression is somewhat limited. The report 'Supports and Services for Unemployed Jobseeker's: Challenges and Opportunities in a Time of Recession', published in August 2011 by the National Economic and Social Council, was critical in terms of labour market progression.

The budget for CE is some €315 million for 2012. The massive increase in unemployment requires that as many places as possible are open to a broader range of Jobseeker's. The reduction in training and employment grants was implemented in the context of the overarching need to ensure that all exchequer expenditure is targeted appropriately, which I consider to be a reasonable objective. The total number of CE places available and the number of CE supervisors is not affected.

I have directed that a review of the financial resources of individual schemes be completed by the end of March. The purpose of the review is to examine the income and funding of sponsoring organisations in terms of their ability to continue to deliver the programme. As part of the review alternative sources of support will be examined, particularly the level of funding from other State agencies. 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 outcome of the review will provide a clear picture of the core funding required for each CE 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 CE scheme will be forced to close as a result of the reductions in training and material grants, pending the completion of this review at the end of March. This guarantee will be funded by my Department from its 2012 allocation.

In conclusion, I would like to assure you of my full appreciation of the value of CE schemes locally. The focus now is on achieving improved outcomes both in terms of service provided at local level and job progression for CE participants themselves.