Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 433: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals to meet the concerns of a project (details supplied) in County Waterford in regard to the withdrawal of support from framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6416/08]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Community Development Programme provides financial assistance to some 180 Projects nationally. These projects operate local resource centres or provide services aimed at addressing the problems faced by communities caused by poverty and disadvantage. Funded Projects meet the needs of women and children, those with disabilities, the homeless, lone parent families, the elderly, the unemployed, young people at risk, Travellers and other disadvantaged groups.

As part of the current programme support, the Department publicly tendered for the provision of support services to Projects in 2004. Six companies, including Framework, were chosen following a public tender process to provide services on a regional basis for the period June 2004 to end May 2007. These contracts were extended, initially, to the end of 2007, and then, to the end of May 2008, in order to complete a consultation process with Projects on the future of the Programme. The Department is considering the results of this consultation process and developments under other Government programmes targeting disadvantaged people. Some improvements identified by Projects have already been implemented, including allowing Projects to have a greater say on procuring support and training appropriate to their own needs. As part of the development of a new Programme, arrangements for the provision of future support services for Projects are under consideration. My Department recognises the value of support services and is considering the best way to enable Projects, at this stage of their development, to access support services that best meet their needs.