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Thursday, 22 Mar 2018

Written Answers Nos 273-283

National Development Plan Expenditure

Ceisteanna (273)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

273. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding to be allocated to each county under the rural regeneration and development fund in the National Development Plan 2018-2027 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13348/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Development Plan has provided for a new €1 billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to enable towns, villages and outlying rural areas to grow sustainably and support delivery of the strategic objectives of the National Planning Framework.

Funding of €315 million has been provided over the period 2019 to 2022, which will allow both further activity under existing initiatives as well as the introduction of new investment initiatives under the Fund to be supported during this period. There are no specific projects assigned to this Fund in the NDP; instead the Plan makes clear that allocations from the Fund will be made on a competitive bid based approach. I am currently consulting with my colleagues in Government on the development of this Fund and will make further announcements in due course.

Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme Data

Ceisteanna (274)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

274. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding allocated to the social inclusion and community activation programme in each year since its establishment in tabular form; the allocation in 2018; the actual amount of expenditure in each year and to date in 2018; the expenditure incurred by county in each year and to date in 2018; the share of funds provided by EU Structural Funds; and the share financed by the Exchequer. [13350/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The information requested is set out in the tables.

Table 1 provides funding allocations and the Department's expenditure per county for the years 2015 to 2018 for the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP).  2018 funding figures are not yet finalised as not all local authorities have drawn down 2018 funding.

SICAP commenced on 1 April 2015 in most parts of the country.  Expenditure figures for Counties Meath in 2015 and Galway in 2015 and 2016 reflect the fact that a deliberative process was ongoing at the time, SICAP commenced in Meath in May 2015 and in Galway County in January 2017.  Programme Implementers which had an underspend in 2015 and 2016 were permitted to offset the underspend against the following year's budget.

Table 2 provides information on funds received from the European Social Fund (ESF).  To date funding of €633,500 has been received from the European Social Fund (ESF).

Table 1: Funding allocations and the Department's expenditure per county

2015 Allocation

2015 Funding Issued

2016 Allocation

2016 Funding Issued

2017 Allocation

2017 Funding Issued

2018 Allocation

Carlow

402,321

402,321

536,428

533,928

536,428

536,426

547,157

Cavan

556,338

556,338

741,784

720,487

741,784

732,058

756,620

Clare

641,506

641,506

855,341

797,663

855,341

855,341

872,448

Cork

2,309,073

2,309,073

3,078,956

3,067,295

3,078,956

3,077,547

3,159,205

Donegal

1,480,935

1,480,935

1,974,580

1,920,151

1,974,580

1,970,067

2,008,916

Dublin

7,149,314

7,149,314

9,532,555

9,196,834

9,532,555

9,509,364

9,656,954

Galway

1,688,280

487,093

2,251,039

649,427

2,251,039

2,251,039

2,251,039

Kerry

1,222,199

1,222,199

1,629,598

1,626,089

1,629,598

1,628,742

1,629,599

Kildare

765,170

765,170

1,020,227

1,020,227

1,020,227

1,011,063

1,061,036

Kilkenny

455,860

455,860

607,813

605,399

607,813

607,453

632,126

Laois

423,048

423,048

564,064

559,205

564,064

554,502

586,627

Leitrim

393,488

393,488

524,650

481,609

524,650

516,760

524,650

Limerick

1,639,070

1,639,070

2,185,427

2,178,573

2,185,427

2,184,409

2,185,427

Longford

383,669

383,669

511,559

492,145

511,559

506,591

511,559

Louth

965,881

965,881

1,287,841

1,264,703

1,287,841

1,287,708

1,313,599

Mayo

930,908

930,908

1,241,211

1,215,481

1,241,211

1,231,152

1,269,911

Meath***

235,799

235,799

371,072

369,743

371,072

367,624

393,336

Monaghan

464,453

464,453

619,271

612,427

619,271

614,852

631,656

Offaly

553,736

553,736

738,314

725,952

738,314

731,384

760,463

Roscommon

448,762

448,762

598,350

591,906

598,350

595,358

598,350

Sligo

439,136

439,136

585,514

554,930

585,514

585,503

585,514

Tipperary

841,838

841,838

1,122,450

1,116,186

1,122,450

1,105,851

1,173,386

Waterford

823,835

823,835

1,098,446

1,087,865

1,098,446

1,095,322

1,120,415

Westmeath

574,661

574,661

766,215

751,530

766,215

755,391

781,539

Wexford

1,276,311

1,276,311

1,701,748

1,697,683

1,701,748

1,698,940

1,701,748

Wicklow

972,584

972,584

1,296,777

1,245,474

1,296,777

1,288,405

1,314,319

Totals

28,038,175

26,836,988

37,441,230

35,082,912

37,441,230

37,298,852

38,027,599

Table 2: Funds received from the ESF:

Year

-

ESF receipts during 2016

€181,000

ESF receipts during 2015

€452,500

Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme Funding

Ceisteanna (275)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

275. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding allocated to the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme 2018-2022 in each year in tabular form. [13351/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is a key intervention for disadvantaged communities.  The funding allocated to SICAP for 2018 is €38.028m.

It is anticipated that funding will be, at a minimum, maintained at current levels for the years 2019 to 2022.  However, funding for these years has not yet been finalised and is subject to the Government's annual budgetary process.

Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme Data

Ceisteanna (276)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

276. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of applicants approved by each local community development committee, LCDC, to provide services to disadvantaged communities under the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme 2018-2022; and the LCDCs that have not approved applicants to date or not completed all stages of approval for potential applicants, by county and in each area lot, in tabular form. [13352/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each county have undertaken a process to select Programme Implementers to deliver the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018 – 2022 in their areas. In total, there were 51 Lot areas where Programme Implementers were to be appointed.

The information requested is set out in the tables.

Table 1 lists the 47 Lot areas where a Programme Implementer has been selected and put in place.

Table 2 lists the four Lot areas there was no successful tenderer. LCDCs are working to put in place Programme Implementers in these areas, by way of a negotiated procedure in line with EU Procurement Directive 2014/24/EU. Arrangements have been put in place in these areas to ensure service delivery is not affected while this process is ongoing.

Table 1: Programme Implementers: SICAP 2018 - 2022

County

LCDC

Lot No. & Name

No. of successful Tenders

Carlow

Carlow LCDC

Carlow County (1-1)

1

Cavan

Cavan LCDC

Cavan County (32-1)

1

Clare

Clare LCDC

Clare County (16-1)

1

Cork

North Cork LCDC

Cork Charleville & Mitchelstown (18-2)

1

Cork Kanturk, Newmarket & Millstreet (18-1)

1

Cork Mallow & Fermoy (18-3)

1

South East Cork LCDC

Cork South & East Cork (18-4)

1

West Cork LCDC

Cork West Cork District (18-5)

1

Cork Bandon & Kinsale (18-6)

1

Cork West Cork Islands (18-7)

1

Cork City LCDC

Cork City (17-1)

1

Donegal

Donegal LCDC

Donegal (33-3)

1

Donegal Gaeltacht (33-2)

1

Donegal Inishowen (33-1)

1

Dublin

Dublin City LCDC

Dublin Ballyfermot & Chapelizod (2-1)

1

Dublin Ballymun, Whitehall & Tolka (2-2)

1

Dublin Canal, Rathmines & Pembroke (2-4)

1

Dublin Northside (2-3)

1

Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown LCDC

Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown (5-1)

1

Fingal LCDC

Fingal (4-1)

1

South Dublin LCDC

South Dublin County (3-1)

1

Galway

Galway City LCDC

Galway City (26-1)

1

Galway County LCDC

Galway County (27-1)

1

Kerry

Kerry LCDC

Kerry North East & West Kerry (19-1)

1

Kerry Rathmore & Gneeveguilla (19-2)

1

Kerry South Kerry & Killarney (19-3)

1

Kildare

Kildare LCDC

Kildare County (6-1)

1

Kilkenny

Kilkenny LCDC

Kilkenny County (7-1)

1

Laois

Laois LCDC

Laois County (8-1)

1

Leitrim

Leitrim LCDC

Leitrim County (28-1)

1

Limerick

Limerick LCDC

Limerick East Rural (21-3)

1

Limerick Urban (21-2)

1

Limerick West Rural (21-1)

1

Longford

Longford LCDC

Longford County (9-1)

1

Louth

Louth LCDC

Louth County (10-1)

1

Mayo

Mayo LCDC

Mayo Ballina & Mayo West (29-2)

1

Mayo Castlebar & Claremorris (29-3)

1

Mayo Islands (29-1)

1

Meath

Meath LCDC

Meath County (11-1)

1

Monaghan

Monaghan LCDC

Monaghan County (34-1)

1

Offaly

Offaly LCDC

Offaly County (12-1)

1

Roscommon

Roscommon LCDC

Roscommon County (30-1)

1

Sligo

Sligo LCDC

Sligo County (31-1)

1

Tipperary

Tipperary LCDC

Tipperary North (22-1)

1

Tipperary South (23-2)

1

Waterford

Waterford LCDC

Waterford City & County (24-1)

1

Westmeath

Westmeath LCDC

Westmeath County (13-1)

1

Total

31

47

47

Table 2: Areas where SICAP 2018 - 2022 is not yet being delivered

County

LCDC

Lot No. & Name

Dublin

Dublin City LCDC

Dublin Inner City (2-5)

Wexford

Wexford LCDC

Wexford County (14-1)

Wicklow

Wicklow LCDC

Wicklow Arklow, Wicklow & Baltinglass (15-2)

Wicklow Bray & Greystones (15-1)

Total

3

4

CLÁR Programme

Ceisteanna (277)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

277. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if grant aid is available under the CLÁR programme to fund the purchase of defibrillators by community groups; if so, the criteria and grant levels applicable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13429/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects and other initiatives in areas that have experienced significant levels of population decline.

I launched the 2018 CLÁR Programme on 15 March, with an indicative allocation of €5 million across three Measures as follows:

Measure 1: Supports for School and Community Safety Measures

Measure 2: Play Areas

Measure 3: First Response Supports

There is an indicative allocation of €1 million for the First Response Supports Measure. This measure is open to established organisations that operate entirely on a voluntary basis and are involved in emergency rescue or first response efforts in the community. Funding under the measure will allow for the replacement or upgrading of old vehicles or equipment directly involved in emergency rescue/first response efforts, and could include the purchase of defibrillators.

The scheme will provide up to 85% of the total cost of the equipment being applied for. A match funding contribution of 15% is required.

Application forms and detailed scheme documentation are available on my Department's website at http://drcd.gov.ie/about/rural/clar/, or by contacting my Department directly at CLAR@DRCD.gov.ie.

Local and Community Development Programme

Ceisteanna (278)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

278. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the work of the cross-sectoral working group for the framework policy on local and community development; the membership of the group; the number of meetings held to date; the decisions and actions taken by the group to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13465/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A Cross-Sectoral Group on Local and Community Development was established in May 2017 to develop a five-year implementation plan for the Government’s Framework Policy on Local and Community Development. The Group is chaired by my Department and comprises members drawn from the relevant stakeholder sectors, including the community development, local development and community & voluntary sectors, as well as local and central government.

The Group has met on six occasions to date, focusing primarily on developing actions for the implementation plan. The actions will be informed by the extensive consultation process undertaken by my Department; it will draw on the feedback received from the original consultation on the Framework Policy in 2015, outputs from the National Forum on Local and Community Development held in November 2016, and outputs from a cross-sectoral workshop held by my Department in November 2017.

I expect a draft plan to be submitted for my consideration in Q2 2018. I hope to bring it to Government for approval shortly thereafter.

Social Innovation Fund Ireland

Ceisteanna (279)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

279. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the implementation of the commitment in a Programme for Partnership Government to raise a minimum of €50 million through Social Innovation Fund Ireland to provide growth capital to Ireland's best social projects and innovators and to target solutions to critical social issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13466/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Social Innovation Fund Ireland (SIFI) works in partnership with Government to find and develop the best social innovations with the potential for transformative impact on critical social issues facing Ireland. The partnership is based on a 50:50 philantropic/government matched funding arrangement.

To date, approximately €6m has been raised under this funding model, with 7 programmes developed by SIFI, ranging from educational, community development and social enterprise schemes. A one year extension to the current contract was agreed with my Department in September 2017. In the meantime, my Department has been liasing with SIFI in preparing a new contract to give ongoing effect to the commitment in the Programme for Government.

Community Employment Schemes Administration

Ceisteanna (280)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

280. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position regarding the deduction of payment to persons on community employment schemes as a result of two red alert days recently; the reason for the decision; if the decision for this sector will be reversed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13285/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The position is that no deductions of payment to persons on community employment schemes should be applied as a result of two red alert days recently.

Clarification and guidance issued to all DEASP officers and Sponsors during this last week.

Should any participants have any issues with this instruction not being applied they should refer to their local Intreo Centre immediately.

I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Application Forms

Ceisteanna (281, 282)

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

281. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if appropriate training or assistance will be provided to carers to complete required forms in order to minimise declined applications and missed payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13373/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

282. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if appropriate training or assistance will be provided to carers to complete required forms in order to minimise declined applications and missed payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13420/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 281 and 282 together.

The policy of my Department is to ensure application forms are presented in a simple, clear, and easy to read format. Application forms are also made available on request in alternative formats, including audio and braille. The design and layout of each application form must also have regard to the particular requirements of the individual scheme or payment and ensure that the form captures all of the information required to assess and process the application. The content and layout of application forms is reviewed regularly to ensure they are kept up-to-date and that they comply with our plain English principles.

The Carer’s form has recently been redesigned. This new form will allow carers to provide more information on the type and level of care they provide, with an aim to providing Deciding Officers with the information they need to expedite decisions on entitlement. The Changes to the form have been finalised following consultation with Family Carers Ireland and carers representatives.

Whilst no specific training is proposed for carers to assist them in completing application forms, my Department provides a range of supports to assist carers, and other customers who may require further information or experience difficulties in filling out a form.

First, the Department’s website, www.welfare.ie, is the central repository of information on all of the Department’s schemes and services. It is clearly laid out and complies with accessibility guidelines to ensure that all users, including those using assistive technologies, can easily access information and services.

In addition, the Department's Carer’s Section and the Department's general enquiry facilities can assist a person who wishes to enquire about their potential entitlement, or clarify certain elements of an application form. In order to further improve accessibility of information and services for all customers, my Department will continue to explore additional channels of communication, including the use of video content, where appropriate.

The Department also operates a nationwide network of Intreo centres and branch offices. In larger offices there is staff dedicated to providing information and explaining the Department's schemes and services available, and to provide assistance to customers to enable them to access their full entitlements or indeed help those who need assistance in filling in a form.

Furthermore, the national network of Citizen Information Services also provides key advice, information and assistance to customers seeking such on my Department’s schemes or indeed who need assistance in filling in a form.

In addition, regular formal information sessions for customer representative groups, are used as a means of communicating new information on schemes, as well as providing an opportunity to consult and receive feedback on proposed announcements, changes and communication strategies. This is an important source of customer feedback and an opportunity for a variety of customer groups and representatives to engage with us.

In line with my Department’s commitment to ensuring that members of the general public are fully aware of the welfare supports and services available to them, the Department run various external information campaigns to increase general public awareness of the schemes and services available. Advertising is targeted appropriately through the best mix of media to ensure that the Department’s messages reach the target customers. Such campaigns are complimented by the Department’s social media presence and attendance at various national events and information talks to provide alternative mechanisms for customers to contact the Department in a face-to-face setting.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Community Employment Schemes Data

Ceisteanna (283)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

283. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age participating on a community employment scheme by county in January 2017 and in March 2018 in tabular form. [13448/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The number of persons under 25 years of age participating on a community employment scheme by county is currently being compiled and will be furnished to the Deputy as soon as possible.

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