Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014
482. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reverse the decision not to continue funding for community radio Youghal under the community services programme through Pobal (details supplied). [12905/14]
View answerThe Community Services Programme (CSP) supports community businesses to deliver local services to their communities and to create employment opportunities for people from disadvantaged groups. The Programme is managed on behalf of the Department by Pobal.
The CSP is designed on a social enterprise model and a core requirement of the programme is that contract holders generate non-public revenue from their operations e.g. by charging fees for services delivered or fundraising. The grant from the Department is not intended to represent full-funding. Companies in contract under the CSP are responsible for their own budgets, income, financial and other liabilities and must be not-for-profit, social enterprise or community business in nature.
A re-contracting process for a number of the approved organisations took place in 2013, including the project referred to by the Deputy. This involved the submission of business plans which were reviewed by Pobal. While the organisation’s proposal was rejected, based on value for money considerations, a review is currently being undertaken of this decision and they will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible.
