Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

579. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the review of the community social programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51255/19]

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

I presume the Deputy is referring to the Community Services Programme.

The Community Services Programme, or CSP, supports around 400 community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model, with funding provided as a contribution to the cost of a manager and an agreed number of full-time equivalent positions. Almost €47 million will be available to support community organisations under the programme in 2020.

Indecon Consultants, who are carrying out an independent review of the CSP, are currently finalising their report which I expect to receive in the coming weeks. This will help inform my decisions on the future shape and structure of the programme. I will be examining the recommendations in the report, early in the new year, with a view to beginning the process of making any necessary changes during 2020.

Pending the revision of the Programme, I announced last week that I will be providing €1m under the CSP Support Fund in 2020 to those organisations which are struggling financially.