Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy referred to rural regeneration and social deprivation in urban areas. SICAP is informed by the deprivation index, which measures the relative affluence or disadvantage in areas within the State. It is important that we do not leave anybody behind. The community services programme extended in 2019 will provide an additional €1 million to organisations finding it difficult to meet the minimum wage obligation. The budget for the Dublin north east inner city initiative that was put in place following the Mulvey report budget is €6.5 million in 2019, an increase of €3 million on 2018, which may be of interest to the Deputy. It funds further projects, including pilot drug schemes, social employment projects and community grants and events.

The community enhancement programme, which initially received funding of €4.5 million for 2019, focuses on supporting groups in disadvantaged areas. The framework policy for local and community development in Ireland implementation plan, as well as Ireland's first national policy on the very important theme of social enterprise are in advanced development. We must not forget the urban regeneration fund, which helps larger projects in cities that will start the process and are key to achieving social inclusion.

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