Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 February 2025
996. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development whether his Department has engaged with a community services group (details supplied) regarding its level of funding and inability to tender; if his Department will allocate them for high-level funding for a two-year period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7143/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that Pobal, which administers the Community Services Programme (CSP) on behalf of my Department, has been engaging directly with the named organisation relating to ongoing financial challenges.
A review of CSP funding rate categorisations will be undertaken by Pobal on behalf of my Department later this year, with any revisions to take effect from January 2026. The additional funding of €3m provided to the CSP Programme in Budget 2025 has been fully allocated to meet the increased employment costs of CSP funded organisations, including the named organisation in 2025.
The organisation is registered to participate in the ESF+ Achieve Together Mentoring and Coaching Programme, which provides a 12-month tailored coaching, mentoring and supports programme to qualifying CSP-funded organisations. Further information on this Programme can be found on Pobal's website.
Furthermore, I have instructed my officials and Pobal to liaise with the organisation's Board of Directors with regards to arranging a meeting to discuss the position.
With regards to the matter of tendering for contracts, as Minister for Rural and Community Development, I have no function in that regard.
