Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 388: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress he has made with the community and voluntary sector in areas of high unemployment; and the vital role they play in local communities. [32729/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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As part of my Department's Local and Community Development Programme's (the LCDP) overall goals, the LCDP supports individuals into employment and self-employment through education, training, work experience, job placement, enterprise and the social economy in both urban and rural areas. Funding of €63.4m has been made available in 2011 for the Programme.

The Programme, which is administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department, aims to tackle poverty and social exclusion through partnership and constructive engagement between Government/agencies and people in disadvantaged communities. Two of the key Programme goals are focussed on education and training, particularly vocational training, and employment and self-employment supports. 80% of LCDP funding is allocated to those measures.

The Programme is implemented across the country through 51 Local Development Companies (LDCs), and prioritises the most disadvantaged communities, including RAPID areas, and individuals. The LDCs provide a range of employment services delivered to those who are identified as furthest from the labour market. Importantly, the services provided by LDCs are flexible, independent, locally based and non-bureaucratic. Knowledge and understanding of the local organisational landscape, and the development of networks and relationships, has led over the years to key successes in the provision of training, employment and self-employment supports.

Given the current economic crisis and the high level of unemployment, the Programme is more relevant than ever. In 2012, the target under the Programme for individuals engaging in labour market training will be in excess of 8,000 and the target for the number of individuals supported into employment and self employment will be 4,000.

RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development) aims to improve quality of life for residents living in 51 designated disadvantaged areas, through the improved planning and co-ordination of state services, and, through the delivery of new investment in services and facilities. RAPID areas are prioritised within the strategic plans of the LDCs, in implementing the LCDP. This Programme is currently implemented at a local level by an inter-agency structure, the Area Implementation Team. The Programme is implemented on the basis of local area planning which is needs-based. It identifies a series of projects and services which need to be developed or improved in the RAPID area. These services/projects are implemented through prioritisation of national and local agency funding streams and more effective co-ordination of services at a local level. In common with the LCDP, community participation is one of the core principles that underpin all work undertaken within the RAPID Programme.

Pobal also delivers a range of publicly funded programmes for the community and voluntary sector, on behalf of other Government Departments and agencies, and questions in relation to these programmes should be directed to the relevant Minister(s).