Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis an gCathaoirleach as ucht an deis seo a thabhairt dom an cheist seo a ardú ar an Athló. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Mary White. As she will know, having been a member of the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, an issue has arisen regarding community development projects, CDPs, on which the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Pat Carey, has been to the fore since he took up office. He said during recent visits to both Cork and Tralee that he was amenable and open to considering service level agreement proposals for CDPs. Given that he is open to considering this option, the desired option of the national umbrella body for CDPs, the National Community Development Forum, NCDF, the forum submitted a proposal for a service level agreement to him on 11 June. The model proposed would help and enable the CDPs to maintain their local structures and continue their excellent community work, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
I pay tribute to the CDPs in Mahon and Ballyphehane in my area of Cork which do Trojan work. However, there is ambiguity and an issue arises about the merger of the partnerships which do a huge amount of work and are overseen by a voluntary board. They are open to all in the community, men and women. The projects empower and enhance local communities.
Although the deadline for submitting an integration plan was yesterday, the Minister has so far refused to meet the umbrella group and acknowledge its submission to the Department. Some 100 groups are unsure of where they stand. The Minister of State is genuine and, coming from Carlow, immersed and rooted in the community. As such she understands the importance of this subject. I would like her to clarify whether the NCDF national service level agreement proposal has been accepted or rejected by the Minister. Is he available and willing to meet the NCDF to discuss it? Will he extend the deadline and engage in consultation to bring about a resolution?
At a time of massive unemployment and challenges for communities, we should be focusing on sustaining them and making them vibrant, irrespective of the socioeconomic divide. To disadvantaged communities, in particular, this Adjournment matter is very important.
There has been no formal notification received by the NCDF from the Department. I find this extraordinary. Will the Minister consult the forum in the presence of an independent arbitrator or individual? The CDPs have come a long way since last autumn when the Minister of State was a member of the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the relevant groups appeared before it. She saw Ms Cathleen O'Neill on the Vincent Browne programme a few nights ago. Ms O'Neill does great work in Kilbarrack in Dublin.
There are 100 projects and one size does not fit all, as the Minister of State knows. The position in Carlow, Cork and Dublin is not the same. I ask for a definitive response from the Minister. Does the Minister of State believe it is correct for the Minister to refuse four times to meet the umbrella body? Deputy Carey is the Minister in charge. I know he is very fair and genuine and do not believe he is the one who is saying, "No." The Minister of State would be willing to negotiate with the umbrella body. I, therefore, seek an extension of the deadline by one month, dialogue and clarity on behalf of the people we both represent.
I hate using the word "voiceless" because I know from the work done in Mahon and Ballyphehane in Cork that we have empowered people. We have given men and women who would otherwise not be involved in the community an opportunity to blossom and flourish. That is what this is all about. It is not about building political fiefdoms and kingdoms but about creating and building community. Outside the gates today there are people protesting about the Civil Partnership Bill, as is their right. The matter I am raising on behalf of the NCDF is another form of protest. Some 100 projects require leadership. The Government must meet, listen to and engage with the NCDF and, if necessary, change, if it is wrong. I believe it is wrong in what it is doing. The CDPs have indicated that they will enter partnerships. This is an important night for the Minister of State and her Department and I hope she will be positive in her response.