Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the additional funding for Covid-19 and the Covid payment that was provided. The crux of the discussion is that CSP funding is a fixed annual contribution towards the cost of an agreed number of full-time positions, including that of manager. Unfortunately, it does not bring up the payment to the level of the minimum wage. The cost is €9.38 per member of staff, whereas the minimum wage is €10.10, and it has not increased in a long time. There is a structural and fundamental issue with the CSP. My belief, and that of many community organisations, is that at the very least, the minimum wage should be covered. That, however, was prior to Covid. Post Covid, we are in completely different circumstances.

I accept that the Minister of State is genuine in respect of supporting communities and I look forward to his analysis of the report and of how we can move forward in supporting communities. At the end of the day, he and I know that such organisations are the heart and soul of our communities, both of the people who provide the service and of those who use the service. If we do not have them, that person who goes in for a tea or coffee does not get to speak to somebody that day, while a young person might wish to use the centre but it will not be there. He or she will be on the street corner. It is really important, when we are considering how we can fund our community, that we seek to make it as supportive as possible.

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