Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2013
136. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans for the future of the community services programme; if funding to the programme is to be continued or extended; her plans to include new projects in the scheme; if so, when new applications will be sought and considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43171/13]
View answerThe community services programme (CSP) co-funds the services delivered by around 425 community based not-for-profit enterprises across the State. Some €45.4 million has been allocated to the programme for 2013, which will support 2,800 people in full and part time employment. CSP funding is primarily intended to contribute to the wages costs of the service provider expressed as a fixed annual contribution towards the costs of employing full time equivalent workers, and in some cases, a contribution towards the cost of employing a manager.
In general, service providers are engaged under a three year contracting arrangement until 31 December 2013. Access to the programme is by way of open call for proposals, the last in 2008, or by expression of interest from existing services providers where they consider the programme has a role in supporting or developing their operations. Due to resource constraints, there are limited opportunities for new proposals to be considered with funds being concentrated on supporting the employment potential of existing contract holders.
I have no immediate proposals to alter the operation of the programme.
