Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 285: To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding community employment cuts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15639/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I have directed that a review of the financial resources of individual projects supported by Community Employment 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 each 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.

This review of financial resources is being carried out initially by local DSP staff responsible for the administration of the scheme, and is being co-ordinated centrally by the relevant Assistant Secretary of the Department.

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 parallel, my Department is also undertaking a policy review of all employment support programmes under its aegis. CE is being considered as part of this review and stakeholders will be consulted as part of this review process. I expect to have this review in the first quarter of this year. These reports at both the individual CE scheme level and at the macro level will provide good evidence on which to base future policy. The outcome of the review will form part of the report to the Troika.

In conclusion, I would like to assure the House 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.