Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The social inclusion and community activation programme, SICAP, is a hugely important programme run by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Pobal. I understand the new programme is due to start on 1 January next year. In Galway, we have had a debate for many years, going back to pre-2016, on how many lots should be allocated to the county. We ended up with one lot to cover the second largest county in the country. This is a totally inadequate allocation of lots to tender for this programme.

I understand the Department of Rural and Community Development has made a decision that the local community development committee, LCDC, in Galway must make an application by next week for any changes to the number of allocated lots. This is a totally inadequate timescale to allow for a meeting and to agree on and justify a new application. When we were dealing with this some years ago, prior to the previous programme, there was huge concern and debate, which ended up with the status quoof having FORUM Connemara looking after the Connemara side and Galway Rural Development looking after the east Galway side changing suddenly such that Galway Rural Development was looking after the whole county. This is not in accordance with the wish of either organisation.

I acknowledge this is a competitive tender process but we need to have a minimum of two lots for County Galway instead of one. On previous occasions, my colleagues supported having at least two for the county, which is of a size that is geographically distinct. SICAP is about assisting people in areas where there are issues of deprivation and poverty. I ask the Acting Leader to contact the Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Deputy Joe O'Brien, who has responsibility for the programme, to advocate for an extension of time for the decision on a new application from next week to a future date.