O’Brien Hits out at Cuts to CE Schemes

O’Brien Hits out at Cuts to CE Schemes



Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien has criticised proposed cuts to Community Employment (CE) schemes and in particular the cuts affecting lone parents.

Speaking yesterday during a Sinn Féin private members motion on the issue, Deputy O’Brien said:

“The attack on Community Employment Schemes is an attack on vulnerable and disadvantaged communities across the state, and on the long term unemployed who are trying to get back to work.”



“The savage cuts introduced in the last Budget mean CE Schemes are threatened with a massive 66% cut in their training and education grants. As a consequence, many schemes will not be able to function.”



“Twelve months ago a lone parent with three children who was working on a CE Scheme would have received €504 per week. That income has now been cut to €297 per week.”

“CE has a proven track record in supporting people and providing essential services for our communities. These cutbacks will affect 20,000 workers in CE Schemes and the communities they serve.”

“The government must rethink this slash and burn strategy. It is not more reviews we want but a total and immediate reversal of this budget cut.”

For further information or comment contact Jonathan O’Brien TD @ 086-0274142