John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I make this point specifically. While any appeal need not be submitted until the middle of January, the CDPs unsuccessful in the review were not only informed that they were unsuccessful, but they were informed of the reasons. This will subsequently assist them during any appeal. We have also make a commitment to these CDPs to help them with finance and funding during the course of their appeal, such that their funding would not come to an end at the end of the current year. I make the point that we are now in a different situation financially. Previously, when we cut funding to CDPs one comment they all made was that if they were subjected to another cut, they would be out of business. The idea of having a radical examination and implementing a new, single programme is to ensure we address the concerns highlighted in the McCarthy report and elsewhere such that we produce tangible and measurable outcomes, clear programmes, that we avoid duplication and to avoid excessive bureaucracy. There are in excess of 230 different legal entities delivering community development in the country along with all the associated burdens of administration and compliance with company law. The focus must be on addressing the issues of key concern to disadvantaged people in our communities.

Deputy Wall is correct to raise this matter and it is a shame there are CDPs in the country which operate in a way such that they are oblivious to and unaware of what other partnership and local development companies are doing. I do not blame the CDPs and this is why I seek a single, integrated programme and the reason the Government has made this commitment.

I refer to the request to meet individual CDPs. I have given adequate time to tease out all the detail. Implementation will take place over the course of one year and this has been clearly spelt out. I refer to the community platform. My officials and I have made it clear that we are quite prepared to meet any group. I will stand corrected but to the best of my knowledge I have not received a request to meet the community platform. However, I am available to meet to address this matter in the coming year.

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