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.