Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

201. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the decision not to accept the expression of interest under the community services programme made on behalf of a project (details supplied) will be reviewed. [45971/19]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The organisation in question submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) under the Community Services Programme (CSP) in May 2019. The EOI appraisal process, which is carried out by Pobal on behalf of this Department, is designed to differentiate between those organisations that are, or have the potential to be a good fit with the CSP and those organisations which are deemed to be unsuitable, without putting organisations through the full business planning and application process from the outset.

The organisation's EOI was reviewed by Pobal for suitability and fit with the programme and unfortunately, was deemed to be ineligible for funding as the proposed service is a training and education service. This type of service is not currently supported under the CSP. The complete list of exclusions can be found in the CSP Operating Manual on the following link .

My Department commenced a review of the CSP earlier this year, which is nearing completion. The review is examining how the programme fits with overall Government priorities, as well as with my Department’s other community programmes and policy objectives, and will help inform decisions on the future shape and structure of the programme. Without prejudicing the outcome of the review, the organization in question could consider reapplying in 2020 if the programme criteria change.