John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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366. To ask the Minister for Social Protection his plans for a two-stream approach to community employment; the changes that are planned in this regard; the responsibilities this will place on schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17876/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, I published the Report of the Analysis of the Community Employment Programme on Friday 7 April. The Analysis of the Community Employment Programme was conducted by the Department and looks at Community Employment (CE) and the other work programmes.

Work schemes offer opportunities for the long term unemployed to gain valuable work experience and participate in training while they are paid an equivalent to their social welfare entitlement in addition to a top up payment. Participants work for 19½ hours per week. Work opportunities are within communities and, in the main, support the provision of valuable community services in areas of disadvantage.

The report recommends that all CE places should be categorised into one of two strands, either activation or social inclusion. This categorisation will be based primarily on the work experience element of the place. Regard for local labour market conditions and training and education opportunities will also be a factor.

Department officials will be consulting with scheme sponsors and other stakeholders over the coming weeks in preparation for the new arrangements.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.