Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 107: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the steps she is taking to prevent the closure of the Blanchardstown Centre for the Unemployed, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12943/12]

Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the steps she is taking to prevent the closure of the Blanchardstown Centre for the Unemployed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12984/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 109 together.

Staff from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) met with the chairperson and supervisors of the Blanchardstown Centre for the Unemployed to discuss the reduction in funding that was announced in the budget. The DSP acknowledges the valuable contribution made by this and other community employment projects. However, due to the current economic circumstances, the Department has had to find significant savings in the budget for 2012.

A financial review of all community employment projects is currently being carried out. It is anticipated that Community Employment 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.

The project has been advised that the DSP will cover the cost of the project in full during the review period and local management have been given discretion to vary the level of funding in respect of materials up to €1,000 per place where a strong case is made that this is justified. It is also expected that the project will make every effort to reduce costs and in this regard the project undertook to discuss the rents cost with their landlord with a view to agreeing a more favourable rate. The project are also looking elsewhere for alternative premises. When the review is completed and DSP has a clearer indication of the amount that will be allocated to projects for materials, DSP will meet with the project again to further examine their situation.