Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am putting the SICAP process out for tender on the basis of legal advice, which the Deputy often had to agree with when he was a Minister. When the Attorney General gave him legal advice, he did not ignore it. There was no prospect of achieving anything unless one proceeded on the basis of law. We must adhere to competition law.

The National Collective of Community Based Women's Network, NCCWN, is the umbrella organisation of the 17 community development projects which focus on disadvantaged women. It is possible, if they partner with others, to be able to tender for this process. We are not withdrawing funding. It receives funding under my Department's LCDC programme, as the Deputy knows.

I do not know where the Deputy is getting this misinformation. I wish to clarify that my Department has not notified any of the 17 projects, including the NCCWN, of any intention to withdraw LCDC funding from their organisations. Deputy Ó Cuív should advise the people who are in touch with him to ensure that they tender for the project and enter into partnerships, if they must in order to do so.

The public procurement process for the new programme is competitive and legally sound. I am obliged to do it and it is open to the local development companies to get on with the job.

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