Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour) To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the decision to cut funding to a critical addiction prevention service in Dublin 17 in view of the fact that the organisation has already had to cut some of its very successful programmes including its horticulture programme and that it also lost a third of its Department of Education and Skills grant three years ago; if she will indicate the level of funding that will be provided for the organisation as they are currently unable to budget for upcoming programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Joan Burton (Minister, Department of Social Protection; Dublin West, Labour) answers: A financial review has been requested of all Community Employment (CE) Projects. It is anticipated that CE projects will see a reduction in the level of grant aid allocated in respect of materials and training in 2012 as funding will be allocated according to the needs of the participants and the project circumstances. The purpose of the review is to establish the level of need and this review should be completed in the near future.
In addition, the Department of Social Protection is undertaking a separate review of the effectiveness of a range of employment supports including Community Employment Schemes. This review process includes the Community Employment Schemes that support critical addiction prevention. The outcome of these reviews will inform the overall approach to be taken by the Department and ultimately determine future policy.
This review will provide a clear picture of the core funding required for each scheme. This will assist the Department in ensuring a fair distribution of the funding available for these schemes.
Assurances have been given to community and voluntary organisations that no Community Employment Scheme will close pending the completion of this review. The review outcomes are being compiled at present and all projects will be contacted regarding same in the near future.
Source: kildarestreet.com – Dail Horticulture Questions – Community Employment Schemes
