Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 February 2010
414 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the grant available from his Department to a group (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2010; if his attention has been drawn to the work that this group undertakes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5055/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe organisation referred to by the Deputy was approved for funding under the 2006 call for applications under my Department's Community Services Programme (CSP). While the organisation's contract with CSP expired at the end of December 2009, an offer to renew the contract for a further period was made in recent weeks.
415 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the outcome of an appeal by a group (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [5131/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I outlined previously to the House, my Department has seen the need to redesign its community development/social inclusion programmes, particularly the Local Development Social Inclusion (LDSIP) and Community Development Programmes (CDP), drawing on good international practice and to support the ongoing evaluation of the programmes. Both programmes had a community development element and were delivered through separate local delivery structures. These programmes came to an end on 31 December 2009 and have been superseded by a new programme, the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP).
In advance of proceeding to establish a single programme across CDPs and Partnerships, my Department undertook an evaluation of individual community development projects. Many of these projects span across two decades, with quite diverse activities. The objective of the review was to identify those projects that produce tangible, appropriate benefits for the communities they serve. The vast majority of projects fell into this category and were offered funding under the new programme in 2010. Where projects were not recommended for continued funding, an appropriate appeals mechanism was provided and a CDP Appeals Board established.
The Appeals Board completed its work on 29 January 2010 and the Deputy may be aware that its report has been published on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie. I am also arranging for a copy to be forwarded to her directly.
I understand that the project referred to by the Deputy has been informed by the Appeals Board of its decision to uphold the original decision of my Department to cease CDP funding for it. The Deputy will appreciate that it is now a matter for the voluntary board of management to decide the company's future strategy in light of the decision of the Appeals Board. My officials have been in contact with the project and have indicated that if the company decides to cease operations and to wind-up, my Department will, without prejudice, seek to assist the directors in discharging their statutory responsibilities. Such assistance could include limited financial assistance. The Deputy will appreciate that due account would have to be taken of the nature and extent of any net liabilities arising.
