Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2015

Thursday, 26 March 2015

Ceisteanna (236)

Joe Costello

Ceist:

236. Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will re-establish the inner city partnership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12380/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

My Department's Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP) is the largest social inclusion intervention of its kind in the State and is being implemented on a transitional basis until the end of March 2015, pending the roll out of the new Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) on 1 April 2015.

In accordance with the Public Spending Code, legal advice, good practice internationally and in order to ensure the optimum delivery of services to clients, SICAP is subject to a public procurement process, which is in its final stages. Tenderers have now been informed of the outcome of their tender and Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) are in the process of issuing contracts to the successful tenderers.

The primary focus of my Department is to ensure that the front-line services being supported, particularly those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities, are protected, given the need to ensure best value for the scarce resources available. I am confident that the new programme will continue to provide key supports to those most in need in our communities.

I am satisfied that the procurement process was in line with good practice, conforming to EU norms, and I look forward to the commencement and roll out of SICAP on 1 April.

Since the cessation of the contract with Dublin Inner City Partnership for the delivery of the LCDP, my Department, in conjunction with Pobal, has ensured that LCDP services, for the communities in the inner city area, have been maintained in a co-ordinated manner. SICAP will be overseen and managed by the new Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area. The configuration of delivery bodies/delivery arrangements for the Dublin Inner City area for local and community programmes is a matter for the LCDC of Dublin City Council to consider in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, commensurate with service needs.