Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline, since January 2012, the decline in the numbers on community employment programmes; if she will further outline for the same period the decline in numbers on the special status drugs rehabilitation community employment programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7189/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Table 1 outlines the number of participants on Community Employment, including the number on drug rehabilitation places, in the period January 2012 to January 2013.

Table 1: Monthly Breakdown of Participation on Community Employment

Overall Table 1 shows a decline of 1,272 participants on CE in the period January 2012 to January 2013. The number of participants on drug rehabilitation places, over the same period, shows a slight increase of seven.

The Department is committed to the full utilisation of CE places for 2013. An improved referral process for jobseekers and other eligible groups for CE is being put in place to ensure that available places are utilised.

The Department continues its commitment to getting people back to work as set out in the Programme for Government and the Pathways to Work documents. The overall number of places available under CE has been increased by 2,000 to 25,300 (including supervisors) in 2013 with a budget of circa €352 million. This additional allocation includes a priority been given to applicants who are referred to a CE drugs rehabilitation place. The take-up of CE places will be closely monitored. The Department is committed to reforming CE to ensure value for money, progression of the job seeker and support for community services.