Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 305: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will report on the outcome of the review of a community employment scheme operated by a company (details supplied) and the recommendations in relation to the current and future funding of the scheme and in particular in respect of the materials grant arising from the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24099/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Following reductions in the Training and Materials Grant on Community Employment (CE), as announced in Budget, an initial review of the financial resources of all schemes was undertaken. Standard templates were developed and issued to all CE projects. Discussions were held between local CE Sponsors, including Moygownagh Enterprise CE Scheme, and the Departmental Officers responsible for the scheme under local management.

The outcome of the review will inform the overall approach to be taken by the Department in relation to how to secure the best outcome for CE schemes and for their participants taking account both of the large amount of money we spend on CE schemes and the valuable contribution that CE Schemes, including Moygownagh Enterprise, make to their communities.

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. It is also being carried out in the context that there are community and voluntary sponsoring organisations that receive funding from a multiplicity of state agencies. Alternative sources of support will be examined, particularly with reference to funding from other state agencies to avoid duplication.

The review will also seek to establish if income is generated by scheme activity and the potential for its utilisation of these funds to cover project costs.

Following on from changes to the training and materials grant for CE schemes announced in Budget 2012, a commitment has been made that no CE scheme will close pending the completion of this review.

The review is currently nearing completion and CE Schemes will be advised of the outcome directly.