163. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on engagements between officials from her Department and employer and unions representatives of community employment supervisors and assistant supervisors regarding their terms and conditions, including pay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41880/24]

Community Employment (CE) schemes deliver important locally based community services, while providing a valuable training and development opportunity to the long-term unemployed and to those furthest removed from the labour market.

The Deputy will be aware that CE scheme supervisors and assistant supervisors are employees of private companies in the community and voluntary sector that receive public funding. The terms and conditions of employment for these employees, including remuneration, are primarily a matter for individual employers and employees as part of the employment relationship.

In 2023, Pay increases were awarded to CE supervisors, an increase of 3% from 1 April 2023 and 2% from 1 November 2023, the funding for which was provided by my Department as the programme funder.

Currently, officials from my Department and employer and unions representatives continue to engage in ongoing discussions on terms and conditions including pay.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.