Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 77: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will conduct a review of the socio economic values of community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30152/12]

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

The Community Employment (CE) Scheme is a key element of social provision in Ireland and its value and contribution is recognised by all stakeholders and beneficiaries. In addition to its labour market activation role, CE provides two key socioeconomic benefits. Firstly, it provides a valuable role for CE workers in their own communities, many of whom would otherwise be marginalised and economically inactive. Secondly, it helps to sustain community organisations and to provide valuable social services in disadvantaged areas. There are also key benefits to the CE participants themselves in terms of personal development, self-esteem, accredited training and valuable work experience. The intrinsic value of CE lies in the economic contribution it makes towards the provision of services, many of which would fall back on the State to provide at much higher cost.