Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Data on funding allocated to SICAP since it began in April 2015 was provided to the Deputy in Parliamentary Question No. 279 tabled on 18 April. The allocation shows an increase to €38.03 million in 2018, up from €37.44 million in 2017. The 2019 allocation remains the same as in 2018.

Funding for SICAP from 2020 onwards is subject to the budgetary process. I assure the Deputy that I will review the level of funding of all programmes each year as part of the budgetary process. It remains my intention to continue to prioritise funding for SICAP.

I recognise the vital work of the programme in helping so many individuals by improving the life chances of those who are marginalised in society, living in poverty or unemployed.

SICAP also supports collective community engagement and the development of more sustainable and stronger communities. This is done through providing direct supports to local communities and developing the capacity of local community groups to ensure they can better engage with other groups, actively improve the lives of people in their communities and start to address the social exclusion issues that affect them.

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