Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
757. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social Protection if any funding is available for individual voluntary groups which provide community services, in view of recent reductions in allocations towards day centre and child care services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38254/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatters relating to the funding of day care centres and childcare services are the responsibility of the Ministers for Health and Children and Youth Affairs respectively. The funding available from my Department for community services is limited in an effort to prevent duplication or overlap in funding approaches across Departments. Support for the development and provision of community services not funded by other Departments or agencies can be made available under the community services programme (CSP). The Deputy should note that the CSP is currently fully committed to the end of 2013. Depending on the nature of the service to be supported, a community organisation can avail of work placements under a number of programmes to help with the delivery of services at little or no cost to the organisation. These programme are, JobBridge - the national internship programme, Tús - the community work placement initiative and community employment.
