Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 October 2025
372. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the allocation to the social inclusion and community activation programme in each of the years 2020 to 2025 and for 2026; the measures that this allocation supported, by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55720/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), is our country’s primary social inclusion programme, which aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality by supporting disadvantaged communities and individuals. This is a national programme that is delivered in both rural and urban areas by Local Development Companies (LDCs) to help those in the greatest need.
SICAP funding is subject to the annual budgetary Estimates process. There has been a positive trend of year-on-year increases in SICAP funding in recent years, with 2022 seeing the largest increase in funding at 10%, or €4m. In 2023, there was a further increase of €1.3m, in 2024 an increase of €3m and in 2025 an increase of €1.5m. I am delighted to have secured an additional €1.5m for the programme in Budget 2026, bringing the annual funding to over €50m in 2026.
Separate to this increase in SICAP core funding, additional funding of €36m has also been distributed through SICAP to support Ukrainian Nationals displaced by war since 2022. €10m has also been committed in 2026 which includes supports to all New Arrivals and International Protection Applicants.
SICAP allocations from 2020 to 2026 are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
SICAP |
€39,168,430 |
€39,168,430 |
€43,168,427 |
€44,463,482 |
€47,463,482 |
€48963,482 |
€50,463,482 |
|
New Arrivals |
€0 |
€0 |
€5m |
€10m |
€11m |
€10m |
€10m |
|
Total |
€39,168,430 |
€39,168,430 |
€48,168,427 |
€54,463,482 |
€58,463,482 |
€58,963,482 |
€60,463,4 |
