Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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321. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the procedures that are in place to ensure that sponsors of community employment, CE, schemes manage and operate in accordance with the guidance as set out in the CE procedures manual, in particular the implementation of the 12 week exit plan for participants, adequate in situ on-the-job training and the three month follow-up on exiting the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11596/17]

Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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322. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the accountability measures in existence for sponsors and managers of community employment schemes that fail to implement the programme as set out in the community employment procedures manual; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11597/17]

Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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323. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the avenues and protections that are in place for participants on community employment, CE, schemes that wish to complain regarding the management and operation of a CE scheme by a sponsor or manager; if consideration will be given to the appointment of CE advocates to facilitate in providing an impartial and neutral place for participants to air concerns without fear of recriminations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11598/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 321, 322 and 323 together.

The Department of Social Protection (DSP) undertakes periodic Programme & Training Monitoring visits of all Community Employment (CE) schemes (at least one per year) in accordance with standard operating procedures. There is also a separate comprehensive monitor carried out on the financial aspects of each CE project every year. It is incumbent on every Sponsor to be compliant in all aspects of the operation of Community Employment.

Schemes that are found to be non-compliant as a result of a monitoring visit are given an opportunity to rectify any issues arising. DSP reserves the right, as per clause 16 of the Community Employment Agreement with the Sponsor, to terminate the agreement should the Sponsor fail to operate and administer the project to the satisfaction of DSP and in accordance with the specific conditions of the Agreement.

With respect to disputes arising within a CE scheme, complaints related to employment matters should be addressed to the complainant’s Supervisor in the first instance. If the complaint remains unresolved, it should be referred to the complainant’s employer, i.e. the Sponsor of the project.

Complaints related to the Sponsor’s management of the programme should be referred to the local DSP Intreo Officer with responsibility for the project. If the complaint remains unresolved, it should then be referred to the local Area Manager with responsibility for CE schemes.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.