Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the congratulations he has extended to myself and the Aire Stáit.

Regarding the community services programme, CSP, it is designed to address gaps in service delivery and disadvantage and ensure community facilities are utilised. It is a very valuable resource for important work done by not-for-profit companies and co-operatives in local communities throughout the country as well as supporting employment. The programme is funded by the Department with day-to-day management of contracts undertaken by Pobal. Around 420 not-for-profit companies and co-operatives shared annual funding of €46 million under the programme in 2013, with similar levels of funding being provided this year.

Contract holders operate community or social enterprises that are able to deliver tangible services capable of generating non-public revenues from their operations by way, in some cases, of charging fees, sales and-or fund-raising. The programme is not intended to represent full funding for any operation. Rather, funding is provided on the basis of a contribution to the cost of full-time staffing positions to support the delivery of the service and can include management and non-management elements. The contribution to a management position is €32,000 per annum and €19,033 to a non-management position.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

The programme can also provide additional financial support where revenue-earning opportunities are limited, to support the development or transition of a service provider and-or to meet other short duration cashflow shortfalls.

The programme directly supported around 2,700 people in the delivery of services during 2013. In addition, the Department estimates that between 300 and 400 additional people are engaged in supported companies without further State support.

CSP is one of a number of schemes operated by my Department which contributes to the social economy in this country. As Minister, I will be making provision for this scheme in that context in the forthcoming budget.

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