Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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59. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans and allocations for the continuation of the SICAP programme. [1697/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The previous Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, or SICAP, ended on 31^stDecember 2017, with the next programme rolling out for a 5 year period from 1^stJanuary 2018 to 31^stDecember 2022.  The new programme, as with the last one, was the subject of a public procurement process conducted by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) under the remit of the Local Authorities. Tender results issued to all bidders on 24^thNovember last.

The national annual budget allocation for the SICAP programme in 2018 is just over €38million. The programme has commenced in 47 of the 51 Lot areas. In four Lot areas, no tender was awarded and a negotiated procedure is now underway in each of the areas between the relevant LCDC and the Programme Implementer.

In areas where a negotiated process is taking place, my Department has extended the previous SICAP contract with the LCDC for a period of 3 months from 1^stJanuary 2018. The LCDCs are similarly extending their contracts with the existing Programme Implementers. This will ensure service delivery in the relevant areas is not affected. During this period funding for the contract extension will be provided based on the 2017 allocation for those Lot areas.