Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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39. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of a group (details supplied) in County Kerry and proposed cuts to its budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2605/16]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The company referred to by the Deputy is supported by the Community Services Programme. Following a full examination of its operations in 2013, a number of concerns were raised relating to the outputs being achieved by the company, when compared with similar operations nationally. They were informed that the Department could not sustain the level of financial support should the level of outputs not increase. The funding contract included conditions relating to the need for the company to generate additional income and diversify its services to improve performance. Improved financial monitoring, risk strategy, structures, policies and procedures were also recommended to the board to improve the company’s operations. Pobal provided supports and feedback subsequently to staff to assist in meeting these conditions, including the offer of training.

Regrettably, there has been no noticeable improvement in the level of outputs achieved. The company will participate in a re-contracting process in spring 2016 for consideration of a further three year contract to cover the period 2017-2019. They will be invited to a regional support session in February 2016 and will receive a site visit from a development co-ordinator in the coming weeks.