Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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570. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the person within his Department who sought the legal advice on the number of lots required to deliver the SICAP programme; the reason advice was sought; if he has seen and read this legal advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4418/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The SICAP programme to which the Deputy refers is the largest social inclusion programme in the State and is a key priority for Government.  The programme is implemented by 46 Programme Implementers in 51 geographic areas (known as Lots).  These Lots were determined by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in 2014, prior to the commencement of the original programme, SICAP 2015 - 2017, which came to an end on 31 December 2017. 

In advance of the commencement of the procurement process for the new refined programme, SICAP 2018 - 2022, which rolled out in most areas from 1 January 2018, legal advice was sought by relevant officials in my Department on a number of issues, inter alia, in relation to the Lot delivery structure.  Based on the legal advice received by the Department a policy decision was taken that the new programme should be tendered for on the basis of the existing Lot areas (as previously determined by the LCDCs). 

As the Deputy is aware, Legal Advice is subject to privilege and it would not be appropriate, in the circumstances, for me to make any further comment on the matter.