Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024
110. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what measures are being taken to encourage young people to participate in community development initiatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3985/24]
View answerThe Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), is our country’s primary social inclusion intervention. This is a national programme that is delivered in both rural and urban areas by Local Development Companies (LDCs) to help those in the greatest need. SICAP aims to address high and persistent levels of deprivation through targeted and innovative, locally-led approaches.
Disadvantaged children and families and disadvantaged young people (aged 15-24 years) were target groups for SICAP from 2018-2023.
The new SICAP programme 2024-2028 has 2 main goals - goal 1: supporting communities and goal 2: supporting individuals. Under Goal 1, SICAP supports collective community engagement and the development of more sustainable, stronger communities. This is achieved through providing direct supports to local communities and developing the capacity of Local Community Groups, to ensure that they can better engage with other groups and actively improve the lives of people in their communities.
Within SICAP 2024-2028, there are eight Thematic Focus Areas where SICAP staff can work with groups of individuals, Local Community Groups, Social Enterprises and Networks on specific themes. Youth is one of the named Thematic Focus Areas of SICAP 2024-2028.
In the context of young people, SICAP's specific focus is to support the development of youth groups, preventative early school leaving initiatives, youth focussed active citizenship and leadership programmes, and mental health and wellbeing programmes.
SICAP also meets the needs of local communities and groups that are identified, represented and integrated through local planning and service delivery. SICAP target groups and community groups are represented and actively participate in decision-making structures. In addition, SICAP 2024-2028 will support progression of individuals into volunteer placements, which is also a means of engaging young people in community activity.
