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Departmental Programmes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2021

Tuesday, 25 May 2021

Questions (46)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

46. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to expand the community service programme to ensure that more persons who are distant from the labour force get an opportunity of gainful employment and to stimulate new social enterprises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27881/21]

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Written answers

My Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) supports over 420 community organisations to provide employment opportunities and local services through a social enterprise model.

In 2020, Indecon International Economic Consultants carried out an independent review of the CSP on behalf of my Department. The final report was published in September 2020 and is available on my Department's website. One of the recommendations of this report was the replacement of the existing strands with sub-programmes focussed on three strategic objectives including the provision of targeted services in marginalised, socially disadvantaged communities to reduce social exclusion among marginalised groups and the initiation and development of potentially viable social enterprises.

My Department and Pobal have commenced work on the restructuring of the Programme, in association with the CSP Consultative Group. Pending the transition to the new restructured Programme, the scheme is closed to new applications through the Expression Of Interest process. However, it is anticipated that the Programme will facilitate new entrants via calls to address identified gaps in service delivery later in 2021.

As a first step in that regard, on 28 April, my Department, in collaboration with the Department for Transport, launched a three-year pilot initiative for the provision of high quality up-cycled bicycles and e-bikes for those on low incomes and/or those who are most marginalised and disadvantaged.

In addition, the initiative will also provide the opportunity for employment/work placements for specific disadvantaged individuals and groups including Travellers, people with disabilities, stabilised and recovering drug mis-users and people with convictions who are in contact with the probation service.

Funding of €3m is being provided by the Department of Transport for this initiative over a three-year period and will be made available through my Department's Community Services Programme.

Applications are now being sought from eligible organisations for inclusion on this programme. Organisations eligible to apply are those currently supported under the Community Services Programme or alternatively are in a Partnership/Consortium of which at least one member is currently a CSP supported organisation.

It is envisaged that the pilot will support up to 6 social enterprises in 2021. Full details of the scheme and the necessary application form are available on the Department's website. The closing date for applications is noon, 28 May.

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