Each issue is very important and we are way over time.

I want to raise again the issue of the pay rates for community employment supervisors. These schemes provide vital infrastructure in communities not only in Kerry but throughout the country including maintaining graveyards, for example in Lixnaw, and working with GAA clubs in Crotta, Lixnaw and St. Senan's. Listowel municipal district has the highest disability rate in the county and the highest ageing population in the whole of the State. When there were crises such as Covid or the economic crash these community groups were there to provide essential services. The supervisors have had no pay increase in effect for 14 years. Their salaries have been eroded by tax increases and the cost of living. While the Government says it is not the employer the sponsors simply do not have the funds. I ask the Taoiseach to take steps because the only possible way to raise their pay is through increased Government funding. Will the Government do this to maintain these schemes?

I will speak to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on this. The Government does not deal directly with the pay issues of organisations. Progress has been made on a number of fronts with regard to community employment schemes and supervisors. I will come back to the Deputy with a note from the Minister.