Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 July 2016
473. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when successful applicants for the community services programme support fund will receive funding; if he is aware that they have been obliged to pay the new national minimum wage rate since the 1 January 2016, incurring significant additional costs and placing many under considerable financial strain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22853/16]
View answerThe Community Services Programme (CSP) provides financial support to community companies that provide revenue generating services of a social inclusion nature. Many of these companies are also funded from other sources and generate revenue from the public use of their facilities and services.
A process has been put in place to assist and support existing funded companies who are not in a position to cover the increase in the minimum wage. The aim of this funding is to support existing service providers under the CSP to enhance their sustainability as social enterprises. Allocations for this funding are additional to the CSP contribution that service providers currently receive.
To date, a total of 108 applicants have successfully applied for support under the Fund and have been issued with contract addendums with return dates of 19 July. Once the addendums have been signed and returned to Pobal, successful applicants will receive 75% of their annual award with the remaining balance paid in line with normal payment processes.
I hope this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
