Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
891. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will sponsor a national awareness campaign for the purpose of increasing social inclusion for younger men and refugees, considering the essential role such groups play in promoting health and providing social support within our communities, such a campaign would further ensure sustainability and succession planning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33660/23]
View answerMy Department's mission is to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), overseen by my Department, is our country’s primary social inclusion programme which aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality by supporting disadvantaged communities and individuals.
SICAP is managed at a local level by 33 Local Community Development Committees, with support from local authorities. It is implemented nationally by 46 Local Development Companies across 51 Geographical areas (Lots).
SICAP has 2 programme goals. Goal one is supporting communities, which involves supporting local community groups representing disadvantaged communities and target groups so that they can work towards solving social exclusion issues that affect them. Goal two involves supporting individuals who have been identified as being in need to improve their life chances. This can be through lifelong learning and training, getting labour market supports to improve work readiness, or working with people in broader and more holistic ways so that they can improve their quality of life and general well-being.
SICAP’s objectives have a strong focus on at-risk groups such as Disadvantaged Young People & New Communities. There are three sub-categories within this target group: refugees, asylum seekers and migrants experiencing socio-economic disadvantage .
SICAP delivers targeted supports to Local Community Groups that represent and work with Disadvantaged Young People and members of New Communities. The programme also promotes collaborative work amongst agencies to address social exclusion issues and organises information and support events that target Disadvantaged Young People and members of New Communities across the country.
