Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
613. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a decision will be made on the arrangements to deliver the next SICAP programme in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51101/23]
View answerThe Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), is our country’s primary social inclusion intervention. This is a national programme that is delivered in both rural and urban areas by Local Development Companies to help those in the greatest need. SICAP aims to address high and persistent levels of deprivation through targeted and innovative, locally-led approaches. The programme does vital work in helping individuals and groups, by improving the life chances of those who are marginalised in society, living in poverty or unemployed.
Following significant engagement with various stakeholders it was determined that a procurement process would be required under EU competition rules for the next iteration of SICAP 2024-2028. The approach selected involves two phases – an initial tender, followed by a negotiation phase, if appropriate, to allow tenderers to refine their bids.
The SICAP procurement process is run on a national basis with the responsibility for each individual SICAP contract area resting with the contract holders, the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). There are 53 SICAP contract areas in total.
My main priority is to ensure the continuation of SICAP service delivery while the new SICAP 2024 - 2028 tender evaluation process is concluding and new contracts are put in place.
The procurement process is currently ongoing in County Galway. Galway County Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), Contracting Authority for delivery of SICAP in Galway, are currently evaluating the tenders received for the 3 Contract Areas; Galway East, Galway West and Galway Islands.
An extension on delivery of the current SICAP programme (SICAP 2018 -2023) can be implemented by the LCDC should it be required, to ensure that a fair, transparent and robust process is implemented in the awarding of the new contracts.
