Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 February 2019
594. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if Pobal will be requested to provide three full-time positions under the community services programme to a group (details supplied) in County Kerry following the submission of a business plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7809/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Services Programme (CSP) supports around 400 community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model with funding provided as a contribution to the cost of a manager and an agreed number of full-time equivalent positions (FTEs). Some €46 million will be provided under the programme in 2019.
A business plan was submitted by the organisation in question as part of the CSP Recontracting Process in 2017. Unfortunately, the plan did not establish a strong enough case for the level of support sought and the organisation was advised that support would reduce from one manager and four FTEs to two FTEs from 1 July 2018.
My Department extended this deadline to end-December 2018 pending submission of a revised business plan to Pobal. A revised business plan was submitted; however, this also failed to establish a strong enough case for the level of CSP support sought.
The organisation has since appealed the decision and provided additional information to support its business case. My Department has upheld the appeal and support will be provided for three FTEs to end-December 2019 pending a progress review to inform support levels post-2019.
