Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 28: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the report Downsizing the Community Sector and her response to its conclusion that she is singling out voluntary and community organisations for disproportionate cuts considering the importance of funding streams from her Department to the community sector. [11880/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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As Minister for Social Protection, I am determined to ensure that the contribution of such schemes as is recognised in any future decisions on the future operation, funding and role of Community Employment. There is a total spend on Community Employment of €315 million in 2012. The financial review, that I have asked to be completed by the end of March, is being carried out between local community employment sponsors and the officers responsible for the scheme under local management.

Separately my Department is conducting a policy review of a number of schemes administered by the Department. Community Employment is being reviewed as part of this exercise. The outcome of this review will guide future policy development and is also expected to be completed by the end of March.

The outcome of these reviews will inform the overall approach to be taken by my Department in regard to how to secure the best outcomes for the schemes and for their participants, taking account of the large amount of money we spend on community employment schemes and the valuable contribution that many of them make to their communities.

There are no reductions in the number of places available on the Community Employment programme in 2012. Similarly, the numbers of supervisors will remain the same within agreed ratios.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 29: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will report on her current review of community employment schemes and in particular in relation to vital CE schemes in the Dublin 5, 17 and 13 areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11696/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I acknowledge the valuable contribution made by Community Employment Projects. Currently, there are currently thirty three Community Employment Projects located in the Dublin 5, 17 and 13 areas where they support a wide range of services within the communities. However due to the current economic circumstances, this Department has had to find significant savings in the Budget for 2012. The reduction only applies to the grant for materials and training and represents a reduction of 7.5% of the overall expenditure on Community Employment in 2011. There will be no decrease in the number of Community Employment places in 2012. I have requested a financial review of all Community Employment Projects. It is anticipated that CE projects will see a reduction in the level of grant aid allocated in respect of materials and training in 2012 as funding will be allocated according to the needs of the participants and the project circumstances. The purpose of the review is to establish the level of need and this review should be completed by the end of March 2012.

In addition, my Department is undertaking a separate review of the effectiveness of a range of employment supports including Community Employment. The outcome of these reviews will inform the overall approach to be taken by the Department and ultimately determine future policy.