Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
76. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide additional funding to local development companies to support the demand they are facing for services at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10194/24]
View answerThe Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is a national programme overseen by my Department that aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality by supporting disadvantaged communities and individuals. Delivered in both rural and urban areas by Local Development Companies (LDC’s), the supports provided are based on needs identified at a local level.
I believe SICAP is a hugely important programme and I was delighted to secure a total increase of €8.3 million for the programme over the last 3 years, increasing its annual funding allocation to €47.4m for 2024.
The arrival of Ukrainians and International Protection Applicants to communities across Ireland has had a significant impact on the demands of SICAP, and SICAP workers have been to the forefront of local responses in this context. To assist in the community response, an additional €10 million in SICAP funding was announced in 2023 and again in 2024 to support the Local Development Companies to continue their work to support New Arrivals.
The Department is conscious of the potential for situations to rapidly evolve as the year progresses, and it will engage with Local Development Companies and Local Community Development Committees to address any matters that may arise over the course of 2024.
Funding for SICAP is subject to the annual budgetary process. I can assure the Deputy that I review the level of funding for all programmes each year as part of the budgetary process and it remains my intention to continue to prioritise funding for SICAP.
