Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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279. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider reinstating the community employment scheme material grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21671/17]

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. All consumable services and materials necessary for the effective operation of the project will normally be considered. For materials to be allowable, they must be for the use of the participants and specifically relate to the tasks approved for the project. All expenditure must be accounted and vouched for by way of receipts. It is the responsibility of the CE scheme sponsor to ensure that they have obtained the best price and that they have achieved value for money. It should be noted that the materials grant for CE was never revoked.

If a CE scheme is experiencing particular difficulties with materials funding, they should contact their local DSP Intreo office with any concerns they have in that regard.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.