Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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590. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the average cost of a community employment scheme employee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24903/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Community Employment (CE) schemes are typically sponsored by groups (known as CE Sponsors) wishing to benefit the local community. Such schemes provide a valuable service to local communities, while at the same time, providing training and educational opportunities to job seekers.

The CE Programme has an annual budget of €345.115m. At the end of May 2019, there were 21,505 CE participants and 1,310 CE Supervisors/Assistant Supervisors employed on CE schemes.

The weekly average cost per participant is €305.17. The average participant cost includes all associated scheme costs including the training and materials costs and the participant and supervisor wages, which are necessary for the effective operation of the scheme.

The Government is very conscious of the role CE schemes play to support the delivery of vital services in local communities.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.