Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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34. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will report on the outcome of the social inclusion and community activation programme tenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8872/15]

Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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My Department’s Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP) superseded the Local Development Social Inclusion and the Community Development Programmes in 2010. LCDP is the largest social inclusion intervention of its kind in the State and is being implemented on a transitional basis until the end of March 2015, pending the roll out of the new Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) on 1 April 2015.

In accordance with the Public Spending Code, legal advice, good practice internationally and in order to ensure the optimum delivery of services to clients, SICAP is subject to a public procurement process, which is in its final stages.

I am aware that tenderers have now been informed of the outcome of their tender and contracts with the successful tenderers, for the delivery of SICAP, will be agreed shortly.

The primary focus of my Department is to ensure that the front-line services being supported, particularly those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities, are protected, given the need to ensure best value for the scarce resources available. I am confident that the new programme will provide key supports to those most in need in our communities.

I am satisfied that the procurement process was in line with good practice and I look forward to the commencement and roll out of SICAP on 1 April.