Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 114: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of community employment, CE, schemes in the State which receive a sum in excess of €500 per participant in respect of training and materials; the criteria for determining which CE schemes receive more than €500 per participant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13013/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The process of reviewing each Community Employment (CE) scheme is continuing. Returns from the review meetings are now being examined on a regional basis in terms of the funding requirements and what savings can be achieved within the limits set down by the Department. These outcomes will be analysed and will form the basis of the review findings which will be available from the end of March. Due to the widespread consultation and details being provided it is not possible to make any recommendations or decisions until the process is completed.

Due to the variation on the 'roll over' date for projects/contracts local arrangements have been made to facilitate prior commitments entered into by sponsors. As a result, it is not possible to identify at this stage of the process which projects have been facilitated. This is occurring in the context of the additional flexibility of €1,000 provided by my Department. A series of meetings is taking place at national level with representative bodies in relation to coming up with solutions as to how savings can be gained within the programme and further meetings are planned. The financial review is due to be completed by the end of March 2012 at which stage the full details on the funding arrangements will be available.

There is also a review of Employment Support programmes, which includes Community Employment. Stakeholders are also being consulted as part of this review process. This review will also be completed by the end of March 2012. These reviews and subsequent reports at both the individual CE scheme level and at the macro level will provide good evidence on which to base future policy and ensure the most appropriate support for participants and the services provided to the community and voluntary sector.