Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

516. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if funding will be provided to a company (details supplied) for the provision of a community employment scheme or an alternative employment scheme that will support the needs of the surrounding areas. [52970/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The organisation referred to by the Deputy has contacted my Department regarding Community Employment (CE) scheme places. Local divisional staff from my Department will be in contact with them regarding their CE request with a view to meeting them in the near future where the options, including the process of making an application for a new CE scheme, will be discussed.

In addition, the organisation has submitted an expression of interest in funding under the Community Services Programme (CSP) to my Department. From time to time, as resources allow, my Department processes new applications received from organisations that have expressed an interest in and are considered eligible under the CSP. When resources next allow, their expression of interest will be assessed and, if it is found to be suitable, it will be forwarded to Pobal to begin work on the business planning phase. In this context, it should be noted that, subject to Government approval, responsibility for the operation of the CSP will transfer to my colleague Michael Ring T.D., Minister for Rural & Community Affairs, from 1 January 2018.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.