CE schemes will be given chance to state their case
Social protection minister Joan Burton has said that CE schemes around the country will be given the opportunity to present a business case for the funding that they receive annually.
Following a meeting between North Tipperary Minister of State Alan Kelly, Minister Burton and CE scheme representatives the minister outlined that under the current reforms, each sponsoring body or committee will be asked to submit a properly costed plan.
Minister Kelly has welcomed the clarification from the minister regarding the reform and restructuring of the CE Scheme.
“I have had a number of CE groups contact me with questions they had regarding their schemes. During this meeting it became apparent that Minister Burton recognises the importance of CE schemes and understands that it is vital to consult with communities and scheme participants on any reforms that are to take place. It is encouraging that all stakeholders have also acknowledged the importance of this consultation process if CE schemes are to be protected long into the future”.
He said that while the reforms to CE schemes may have been brought about by economic necessity, the recent meeting gave the local groups a great opportunity to air their ideas as to how the schemes can suit the needs of both the community and the scheme participants.
“The previous funding system of CE schemes encouraged scheme management to spend the maximum allocation of money rather than considering value for money or the training needs of scheme participants. In fact, during the consultation some supervisors highlighted how money was spent on expensive training modules by private companies rather than those offered by local authorities such as the VECs”.
Minister Kelly said that most schemes that he is aware of are not only in a position to submit a properly costed business plan, but are happy for the transparency that this will bring.
“Schemes will also be encouraged to collectively come together and negotiate rates for things such as overheads and bank charges.
“CE schemes must be protected and these reforms are about balancing the protection of the taxpayer with the need to protect the social impact of the schemes in the community. Labour in Government remains committed to protecting the schemes, and in excess of €315m has been allocated to them for 2012.”
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Saturday 19 May 2012
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