Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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269. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider the specialist role of and particular expertise required for supervisors of community employment schemes that have been designated as special community employment scheme; if that consideration has extended to the pay and conditions of the role; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6487/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Community Employment (CE) supervisors, including those on drug rehabilitation schemes, are not employed by my Department - rather they are employees of private companies in the community and voluntary sector.

A new Programme Framework for Community Employment (CE) drug rehabilitation schemes was introduced in January 2016. As the Deputy will be aware, the focus of the CE drug schemes is on rehabilitation, education and training, and personal/social development. Multi-agency co-operation - with the HSE and Local Education and Training Boards (LETBs) - is essential for the achievement of successful outcomes of participants.

The skills set for CE Supervisors on the drug rehabilitation programme have been reviewed and updated in recognition of the competencies required to deliver a drug rehabilitation programme. The Supervisor to participant ratio has been adjusted downward on CE drug rehabilitation schemes to reflect the specific role requirements. Furthermore, as part of the revised conditions and to ensure the effective delivery of the drug programme, the “support worker” element of programme delivery has been strengthened.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.