Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Murphy. I will ask a few questions, although I do not wish to repeat what has already been said. I value Pobal's work. Its role is critical. Community development is close to my heart. I have worked with communities across County Clare and tried to help them navigate their way through the various issues that arise from time to time.

As Members of the Oireachtas, we have dedicated lines to particular Departments to ask about medical cards, social welfare benefits and so on. Would Pobal consider setting up a unit that Oireachtas Members could dial? There are many programmes under Pobal's remit, but Members could target their queries and speak to the relevant person or section.

There are quite a few groups, including some large ones, involved in the community services programme, CSP, in Clare. There is a cap of 315 groups. Is that moveable? Pobal is considering whether to have more programme groups. The witnesses might take us through the possibility of new groups forming and applying for the programme in their villages of communities.

I welcome the comments on volunteers, voluntary boards and committees and their community development work, which is significant. Without their input, we would not have the communities that we do today.

I agree with Senator Hopkins about the burdens that have been placed on community groups in terms of filling out forms. One community could be far ahead because of its people, so I would welcome more training sessions, information evenings and the like to upskill volunteers so that they might get the best out of the system.

Senator Hopkins also asked about the 2016 deprivation index and highlighted small towns of between 1,000 and 5,000 people. The witnesses stated that further targeted initiatives were needed. What targeted initiatives have worked to date, could they be expanded or are new ones required? What should the Department be considering and how could improvements be made?

Has Pobal received contact from the men's shed movement? It is widespread and large. The witnesses referred to social inclusion, interaction, mental health and so on, and the men's shed movement encapsulates a great deal of positivity in that respect. Would Pobal be interested in getting involved and supporting men's sheds throughout the country?