Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have a few comments and questions on programme B. I wish to emphasise the importance of the community services programme, into which I understand a review is under way. In my local area, there is no shop in Kilbride, which is a rural area just outside Roscommon town, so the programme has stepped in and is providing a community shop through Pobal, which is hugely successful. Other groups are looking to the example of Kilbride for other rural areas. It is important for the people it serves.

Another important service funded through the programme is Triest Press Printing, which is located in Roscommon town and supports people with disabilities to engage in work. They are busy providing this very important service for people in the area. I attended an event in Castlerea last Monday with the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Deputy Regina Doherty. The social inclusion and community activation plan, SICAP, and the Ability programme are examples of cross-departmental work that supports people with disabilities to get the training and supports they need to re-enter the workforce. At the event, 14 people, who have great ability but who need a little bit more support, received certificates.

In his opening statement the Minister spoke about looking at the impact of the Department's work, but this has a real impact in supporting people with disabilities to re-enter the workforce, thanks to SICAP and others working cross-departmentally.

I refer to the community services programme, from which we are all keen for more groups to benefit. When is the review of the programme likely to be completed?

In the context of programme B, the senior alert scheme has proved to be hugely successful since it became easier for people to apply for it. As my background is in occupational therapy, I know of the importance of the scheme to people across the country. It is important both for the people who use the alert system and their families who want to support them to live as independently as possible for as long as possible. I am getting this feedback from community groups and individuals across the area I represent in counties Roscommon and Galway and the response to what the Department and the Minister are delivering to the area is usually positive. I have mostly made comments rather than asking questions, but I would like to know when the review of the community services programme is likely to be completed.