Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Roche for his comments and also for the work he and the development company do in his area.

The budget for SICAP this year was €52.5 million, which represents an increase of €1.5 million on last year. At its core, it is about supporting and working with community groups, becoming more involved in areas and helping people to be able to avail of other Government services. In the round last year, SICAP supported 3,100-plus community organisations, which represent almost 32,400 people. It is about allowing people access to training and education; working with people who are unemployed and those who are looking to get a transition from unemployment into work.

I do not have the breakdown in terms of per capita funding for Galway but I am happy to talk to the Deputy about it. As he knows, SICAP is an extraordinary programme that has worked very well. He has been very strong in his support of it. I am happy to sit down with him and discuss the per capita piece for Galway and see if the Minister can review the funding mechanism or allocation. In fairness, SICAP has worked well.