Mr. Denis Leamy:

In respect of the issue of communications, raised by Senators Coffey and Hopkins, we have put much effort over the past year or two into revising the website. We have many online tools and infographics. They are easy to see on each of the programmes. We have also engaged in a number of regional workshops. We were, for example, involved at the National Ploughing Championships, getting word out about the programmes where people are engaging with them. I take the point that there is much more we can do. There are many programmes and many initiatives to support people in rural Ireland. It is about letting them know about them. One example is the senior arts scheme. There was an underspend in that about a year ago. A number of members of the committee raised it. Significant effort was put into communicating the scheme and engagement has significantly increased. There has been a massive increase in those numbers to the extent that we are now chasing to try to keep up with the demand. That is good and it shows what can be delivered when the communication is right.

Deputy Ó Cuív raised a number of points on form filling. We have had conversations in the past on the essay competitions and some of the forms that might have to be completed. We are constantly revising the forms. We are restricted, to some extent, because we have to collect certain data on the completed forms. I would also like to think that anybody that submits an application to us gets direct feedback. If someone is rejected, he or she gets direct feedback by letter or phone on the areas that could be improved in the future. Help and resources are available, through our help desk and client services desk, for people who wish to submit for a new round when it becomes available.

On regionalisation, as has been mentioned, we have a strong office in Clifden with up to 40 staff. Slightly less than 50% of all of our staff are based in the regions. We now have 12 offices throughout the country. The point was well made. We are expanding with new programmes, especially the early years programme. In our new strategic plan from 2018 to 2021, we have stated that if there is any further expansion, we are going to make every effort to do it regionally. That is because of costs in Dublin and also because technology makes it much easier now to do business on a regional basis. We have every intention of carrying that out over the next couple of years.

On the CSP and the minimum wage, that is, ultimately, a decision to be made by the Department. If some organisations are in particular straits, there is a support fund that organisations can apply for to have subvention to support them in paying the minimum wage. The committee will be aware that the Minister intends to have a review of the CSP and that will be one of the issues reviewed. I will hand over to my colleague Mr. Skinnader to give some detail on the toolkit for Senator Hopkins.