Fianna Fáil backbenchers meet Martin to urge U-turn on CE scheme cuts

A DELEGATION of Fianna Fáil backbenchers will meet the new Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mícheál Martin next week to lobby for a reverse of cutbacks in Community Employment (CE) schemes.

Up to 40 Fianna Fáil TDs and senators met yesterday to discuss the reform of CE schemes.

The meeting was arranged with the knowledge of the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, after Deputies John Cregan, John Curran and Billy Kelleher, put forward a joint motion on the issue at this week's Fianna Fáil parliamentary meeting. A working group of eight parliamentary party members will meet with Mr Martin on Tuesday.

According to Mr Kelleher, the meeting was for backbenchers to air their concerns and "outline their priorities".

"We believe it is vital that those who are working with the disabled keep on working. There was a particular focus on the needs of people to retain their personal assistants (PAs) as they often form a strong relationship," Mr Kelleher said.

"Also, many TDs and senators want to ensure that the scheme's age limit is raised so people can continue working on the scheme after the age of 55," he added.

Controversial cutbacks in the scheme have been a huge bone of contention between the Cabinet and Fianna Fáil backbenchers, some of whom attributed electoral losses in June to the inflexibility of the former Enterprise Minister Mary Harney and ex-Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy on the issue.

The working group will ask Mr Martin to increase the length of schemes. At present, a person is allowed remain on a particular scheme for only three years - a cap that is inequitable, claim the FF TDs.

It was also agreed they would seek a meeting on the issue with Finance Minister Brian Cowen, who will have the ultimate say on whether additional funding will be made available.

Mr Martin signalled his wish to re-examine CE schemes immediately after being appointed to his new ministry last week. He said consultation on CE schemes would conclude shortly.

The minister gave a guarded indication in a Dáil contribution that he may restore some of the places.

In a comment that will give succour to disgruntled backbenchers, he said he recognised the schemes have a "strong community and social impact and I want to see that reflected in any decision".