Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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640. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention or that of her officials has been drawn to the Workplace Relations Commission adjudication decision of 30 October 2019 (details supplied); if consideration has been given to same; if there are ramifications or links to the claim by community employment supervisors following the 2008 Labour Court recommendation on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47863/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Community Employment Scheme (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long-term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a temporary, fixed term basis.

The programme is delivered through independent Community Employment Sponsoring Bodies.  The contract agreement between the Department and the Community Employment Sponsoring Body establishes their role as an independent contractor, responsible for all purposes and all persons recruited by them.

CE Supervisors have always been employees of Community Employment Sponsoring Bodies which operate in the community and voluntary sector. 

The Department received the Adjudication Officer’s Decision on Monday 4^thNovember.  It is reviewing that Decision at present and has sought legal advice on it.

My Department officials have been engaging with representatives of CE supervisors to discuss issues arising following the 2008 Labour Court Recommendation.  The details of the discussions have remained confidential while the engagement is ongoing and I would ask Deputies to respect these wishes and allow the talks to continue free from speculation.