Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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132. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the threat to the vital services provided under the community employment and job initiative schemes in a centre (details supplied) due to the cutback in materials and overheads money under the CE scheme this year; the action she will take to preserve these vital services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45078/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Community Employment (CE) scheme is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a temporary, fixed term basis.

St Nicholas of Myra CE scheme has approval for 47 participants and two supervisors in a variety of work experience roles. The project currently receives a material and training grant together with funding for participant allowances and supervisor wages bringing the total grant aid to approximately €723,000. The budget was the same for 2012. Of the 37 current participants, 23 are based in Carman Hall which is under the control of the St Nicholas of Myra parish. A recent Health and Safety audit found that the building is unsafe for use. Officials from the Department of Social Protection met with the sponsors on Thursday the 17th of October to discuss he implications of the Health & Safety report and to ensure in so far as possible that CE participants will be not displaced.

The Department understands that discussions are ongoing with Dublin City Council regarding the future of the building but as yet no plans or funding have been agreed. The Department will work with the sponsor and Dublin City Council to seek a solution to the current challenges.