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Community Services Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015

Wednesday, 15 April 2015

Ceisteanna (43)

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

43. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter regarding the number of staff to be appointed to a company (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14022/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This matter raised by the Deputy concerns the award of a contract under the community services programme (CSP) for the delivery of household repair, maintenance and small building works services to elderly and disabled persons in County Limerick.

Contracts under the CSP are awarded on a renewable basis for a duration of up to three years, following a review process that examines a number of issues such as the continuing need for the service, quality of delivery, value for money, sustainability, financial viability of the contractor, governance and management arrangements. Funding is determined by the level of outputs generated having regard to the nature of the services and to similar services funded by the programme. The Deputy should note that the funds available under the CSP are a contribution to the cost of the delivery of a service only and are not intended to cover full costs of provision. The contractor accepts the obligation to generate the balance of funds needed themselves to meet pay and operational costs.

CSP contracts are monitored on an ongoing and regular basis to ensure that the requirements of the programme are met and that the services that are subject to contract are being delivered. In the case of the company for which details were supplied, it was found that the level of activity in the company did not warrant the level of resources provided, that value for money was not being achieved and that the longer term financial viability of the company needed to be improved. To this end, the value of the contract was reduced to reflect the activity levels of the company and additional cash grants were made available to the company to sustain its operations, while it improved its level of income generation, productivity and overall service delivery and value for money. The value of the contract for 2015 is considered realistic given the outputs being generated and amount to some €123,000.

This operation is not due to be reviewed again until 2016. A review enables the progress achieved to be verified and for further consideration to be made as to the level of resources to be offered which will be related to the level and quality of services delivered.

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