Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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216. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28080/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department has responsibility for the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2015-2017, the aim of which is to reduce poverty, promote social inclusion and equality through local, regional and national engagement and collaboration. The programme aims to improve the life chances and opportunities of those who are marginalised in society, living in poverty or in unemployment through community development approaches, targeted supports and interagency collaboration.

SICAP’s target groups are children and families from disadvantaged areas, lone parents, new communities (including refugees and asylum seekers), people living in disadvantaged communities, people with disabilities, Roma, the unemployed (including those not on the Live Register), low income workers/households, Travellers, young unemployed people from disadvantaged areas and young people (aged 15-24) who are not in employment, education or training (NEETs).

Given the significant level of diversity and challenges facing local communities across Ireland, SICAP has been designed to provide sufficient flexibility for Programme Implementers to prioritise and target elements of the programme to particular groups and issues within its operation area. It is important to stress that the programme is unable to, and is not expected to, provide a response to the issues and barriers faced by all individuals living in our communities.

SICAP is delivered locally by the Programme Implementers who operate a range of community schemes and programmes, which are governed by their respective eligibility criteria and rules.

In relation to the matter referred to in the Question, the Deputy should liaise directly with IRD Duhallow Ltd, James O'Keefe Memorial Institute, Newmarket, Co Cork, who are the Programme Implementer in this instance, to establish what supports or options are available for this individual.