Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
641. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of bids sought for the delivery of the new SICAP programme; the number of contracts that have been now awarded; when the remaining bids will be examined and contracts awarded; the reason for the delay with the roll-out of this programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53514/23]
View answerMy Department's Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), 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.
The procurement process for the next iteration of SICAP 2024-2028 is currently ongoing. The SICAP procurement process is run on a national basis managed by Local Authorities/Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). Formal requests for tender for the relevant 53 individual contract areas (lots) were published by the 33 LCDCs on eTenders on Monday 17th July.
As the deliberative process is still ongoing in a number of areas, I am unable to address all the questions raised by the Deputy. However, I can confirm that the evaluation process is well underway, with varying levels of progress across areas. Final evaluations have completed in the majority of contract areas with evaluations ongoing in other areas.
Due to unforeseen delays in the procurement process, LCDCs in Galway County and in Meath, following consultation with my Department Officials, have issued a broadcast via the eTenders system to all tenderers in their areas, advising that the current SICAP Contract in those areas will be extended for a period of three months to the end of March 2024, to allow time for the new SICAP contracts to be put in place.
This ensures that a fair, transparent and robust process is implemented in the awarding of the new contracts, whilst also ensuring the vital work the programme does in supporting those most disadvantaged and marginalised in society, is continued.
