Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

385. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a situation (details supplied) will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26742/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Community Services Programme (CSP) is one of a number of programmes and schemes operated by the Department. The CSP provides financial support to community companies that provide revenue generating services of a social inclusion nature. The provision of local social, economic and environmental services is the core aim of the CSP.

Given the level of resources available and the number of companies currently supported, the Department has been unable to make an open call for new proposals to the programme for a number of years. However, from time to time and as resources allow, the Department does process new applications received from organisations that have expressed an interest in and are considered eligible under the programme.

The service detailed by the Deputy appears to be a social enterprise and could submit an expression of interest to the Department in relation to funding under the CSP. Any not-for-profit company wishing to be considered for the programme can send an expression of interest to the Department by email to cspinfo@welfare.ie.

If you want you may contact my Parliamentary Adviser for further assistance.