Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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295. To ask the Minister for Social Protection to reverse the cuts to the community employment scheme at a community programme (details supplied) introduced in 2012 in relation to the training and materials budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16960/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Each Community Employment (CE) scheme has an individually-set weekly materials rate per participant based on a detailed appraisal of their actual annual expenditure levels in previous years.

Similarly a training grant is allocated to schemes in respect of all approved places on a “per-place per annum” basis. Training is in accordance with a tailored individual learning plan compiled by the CE supervisor with the participant, given the participant’s training requirements and employment goals. Any proposed training that exceeds the budget allocated is assessed based on the value of the training provided to furthering the employment prospects of the individual. There is flexibility that can be applied in approval of training rates, particularly when the training is leading to a major award e.g. in childcare.

All expenditure must be accounted and vouched for by way of receipts. It is the responsibility of the scheme to ensure that they have obtained the best price and that they have achieved value for money. While the Department is not in a position to allocate additional monies to the 2016 budget, if there is a CE scheme experiencing particular difficulties the sponsor should contact their local DSP office and the matter will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.