Written answers

Wednesday, 26 November 2014

Department of Social Protection

Community Employment Schemes Places

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

37. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will support a vital north-east city community after-school service for disadvantaged communities (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45418/14]

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the valuable contribution made by community employment (CE) projects. In 2012 a financial review of all CE projects was carried out. In addition, the Department undertook a separate review of the effectiveness of a range of employment supports which included CE. Due to the current economic circumstances, the Department has had to find significant savings in the Budget for 2012 and onwards. However there has been no decrease in the number of CE places allocated to projects.

In relation to the recruitment of CE places, over the past 18 months representatives from the Department have on a regular basis met with representatives from community groups in the north-east inner city and political representatives to discuss CE projects and operations. As a result of these meetings a range of measures have been taken to address the concerns raised. These measures have resulted in an increase overall in the numbers of applications and people starting on CE.

The Department will continue to work with CE schemes to assist in the referral of suitable applicants for CE vacancies, together with meeting various representative stakeholders to discuss the programmes and work towards their overall continuous improvement.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.