Gabrielle McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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416. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the sources where a voluntary organisation (details supplied) involved in voluntary mentoring and the evaluation of new companies, out of which almost 60 jobs have already been created, can access State funding to support its activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35601/15]

Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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Funding was provided to the project concerned to under the Local Community Development Programme (LCDP), during 2013 and 2015. As the Deputy will be aware, the LCDP was implemented on a transitional basis until end of March 2015. The new Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) was subsequently rolled out across communities on 1 April 2015, following a competitive tendering process.

Westmeath Community Development Ltd was successful in its tender to deliver SICAP. The SICAP aim is to reduce poverty, promote social inclusion and equality through local, regional and national engagement and collaboration. The programme is managed and overseen by the Westmeath Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).

In the context of the project referred to, SICAP Goal 3 provides supports and resources to engage with target groups and individuals and residents of disadvantaged communities who are unemployed to move them closer to the labour market and improve work readiness, and support them in accessing employment, self-employment and social enterprise opportunities.

The primary focus of my Department is to ensure that front-line services, particularly those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities, are protected. I am confident that the new programme will continue to provide key supports to those most in need in our communities. Therefore, I would suggest that the project/group referred to by the Deputy contact the LCDC or Westmeath Community Development Ltd in relation to funding requests under SICAP.