Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2017
336. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the defunding of the mid-Ireland tourism group which is funded through Pobal under the community services programme; and if he will review the case in view of the fact that the group contributes to local employment through tourism promotion. [4293/17]
View answerThe community services programme (CSP) provides financial support to community companies that provide revenue generating services of a social inclusion nature. The CSP works on a social-enterprise model. This means that it does not fully fund contract holders but requires that they generate revenue by charging fees or raising funds. All CSP recipients are obliged to meet these criteria. These social enterprises also remain responsible for their own budgets and financial liabilities. Pobal manage the programme on behalf of my Department.
Pobal has undertaken on-going reviews of the service referred to by the Deputy over the past number of years. As part of the review of the 2017-2019 business plan, it was considered that the organisation did not adequately provide a robust business case for continued funding under CSP when assessed under the criteria of value for money, need and strategic fit with the programme. The organisation was advised of this decision in October 2016.
The service provider appealed the decision to Pobal and an independent review was conducted. The original decision to cease the CSP funding was upheld. This was communicated to the organisation in December 2016. The service will be funded under the programme until end of June 2017.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
