Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 January 2015
39. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the issues raised with him regarding SICAP; his arrangements to meet community organisations in Dublin; and if the resource allocation model has been sent to said organisations. [3535/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWithin the constraints of the prevailing budgetary situation, I have been particularly conscious of the need to prioritise funding for the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP), until March next, and for its successor, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), from April next. My aim is to ensure that resources are allocated in the fairest way possible and to make the maximum contribution to tackling disadvantage, job creation and economic recovery. My Department’s intention is, over time, to use the available knowledge of population levels and disadvantage to ensure that available resources are targeted at areas of greatest need. As a tool to assist with this, a Resource Allocation Model, or RAM, has been developed which allows relative disadvantage to be measured across all census areas. In order to achieve the objective of moving towards allocating resources according to this model, my Department has in recent years worked to ensure that funding is protected for those areas which the RAM shows have greatest needs. This principle was used in deciding on funding allocations for SICAP and I am satisfied that the funding allocated to Dublin Inner City under SICAP is a fair allocation of resources for the area concerned. Details of the model are available at the following link: http://trutzhaase.eu/wp/wp-content/uploads/Pobal-RAM-Briefing-Document-04.02.2013.pdf
In accordance with the Public Spending Code, legal advice, good practice internationally and in order to ensure the optimum delivery of the services to clients, SICAP is subject to a public procurement process, which is currently underway. The closing date for receipt of tenders under stage two was noon on 19 December 2014. The tenders received are currently being evaluated and tenderers will be informed of the outcome by mid February. Contracts for SICAP will be determined following the outcome of the procurement process.
In relation to the Deputy’s specific query, my Department has consulted with Dublin City Council and it is agreed that it would not be prudent to engage in a deliberative process, in respect of the service delivery mechanism for the inner city, until such time as the results of stage two of the SICAP procurement process are known. In the meantime, I can confirm that interim arrangements have been made to ensure that LCDP funding for the groups concerned will continue until 31 March 2015, pending the outcome of the SICAP competitive process. As the procurement process is still underway, I am not in a position to meet with the groups involved at this time.
