Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 November 2010
51 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Community; Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide an update on the structural changes affecting community development projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39327/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the opportunity to brief the Deputy on developments affecting community development projects which have been under way for several months. At a strategic level, the local development social inclusion and the community development programmes have been superseded by the local and community development programme. A key difference between the new LCDP and its predecessor programmes is the fact that, when fully implemented, it will be delivered nationally on an integrated basis by a reduced number of companies.
A national model involving full integration of CDPs with local development companies has been set out by my Department. However, it was made clear that other options could be considered as long as they meet a range of criteria, including reduced structures, better integrated delivery of services, supporting efficiencies and reducing company law compliance requirements for CDPs. I am pleased that, to date, I have been able to approve four alternative models put forward by HSE South, the Limerick city CDPs/Paul Partnership, the women's sector CDPs and Northside Partnership.
In this context, it is important to note that, despite statements by some commentators, full integration does not mean cessation of CDP activities in any given area. As has been outlined previously, worthwhile community development activities or services delivered under a CDP can continue to be delivered under the proposed new LCDP structure.
While the deadline for receipt of further proposals has now passed, a small number of other alternative models remain under active consideration by my Department. The groups involved will be advised of the outcome shortly. It is also recognised that there may be the potential in a small number of instances for larger CDPs to make use of formal agreements locally, with LDCs, for programme delivery. Any such arrangements, where approved, will be subject to ongoing review.
Some CDPs may also decide to opt out of the LCDP integration process and to go it alone. In such cases, my Department will seek to provide funding to help meet statutory redundancy and modest wind-up costs, where appropriate. To date, three CDPs have confirmed that they are withdrawing from the LCDP.
Work on rolling out the new programme is now at a critically important stage and the LDCs and CDPs are currently engaged in a due diligence exercise designed to complete the integration process before year-end. In this context, legal supports are in place to assist the companies. I urge all parties to engage constructively in this process to ensure that the arrangements are completed over the coming weeks and thereby ensure continued LCDP funding from 1 January 2011.
My overall aim is to ensure that, notwithstanding the difficult budgetary position, disadvantaged communities will benefit from a more focused programme and better integrated actions. As previously indicated, my primary concerns are to make every effort to ensure the front-line services provided by, or supported through, the Department, especially those focused on the needs of the most disadvantaged communities, are protected and to minimise overheads and ancillary costs.
How many proposals are still up for consideration?
It is small number in single figures. I anticipate decisions will be made on these in the next three weeks.
Many community development projects were run effectively but on a shoestring budget. A concern is that funding is being channelled through local partnership and the amount spent on the front line in community development could be jeopardised. How will the Minister ensure community development projects continue to receive an adequate amount of support under this new model?
I agree that the level of funding for community development projects has not been great. The average grant received is €103,000 with some at €145,000. It usually allows for the recruitment of a full-time co-ordinator and sometimes a part-time administrator. After this, other resources have to be leveraged. Those projects that are vibrant and can stand on their own are able to do this well. However, I do not agree that in the proposals being discussed there should be any reduction in the level of community development activity. Instead, it should be enhanced. There is an expertise in community development projects which will enrich the local partnership companies and vice versa. The synergy which will result in the coming together of all will be strong. The volunteer input can also remain strong. I can assure those in the sector who are concerned the proposals will marginalise them that they will not. While each of the local groups is an independent entity, I urge them all to ensure the level of resourcing for the LCDP end of their programmes is maintained at the highest level possible.
The closing dates for this have moved on several occasions. Where there are doubts about continuing programmes, I hope the Minister's door is still open for negotiations. We should not lose any of these successful projects. I accept there have been problems but I hope the Minister will resolve them.
The last time I spoke about this subject was just before the summer recess when I referred to injury time.
It could well be injury time for the Government now.
The sector blew the whistle on problems with this on 20 September. I met with a representative group which has worked well. I will not be recommending the extension of any timetable. It is necessary to bring closure to this problem that I inherited and that we can embark on the new scheme on 1 January 2011. It is the people on the ground who are recipients of the services who we must consider most of all. I recognise the concerns of those who may feel their jobs are under threat. They are not. The people key to this are the recipients of the services and the volunteers driving it.
