Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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431. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to address funding concerns in relation to the business in the community Ireland EPIC programme raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27664/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I am aware of the issue raised here and in previous correspondence.

Business in the Community Ireland successfully applied for funding to support the Employment for People from Immigrant Communities (EPIC) Programme through the 2016 European Social Fund (ESF) Call for Proposals. Under the ESF Integration and Employment of Migrants funding stream, the Programme was approved for €1.925m grant funding over a four-year period and is due to be completed by June 2021.

Officials in my Department are in discussions with the ESF Managing Authority about a possible IEM Call for Proposals under the new ESF+ Programme 2021-2027. Any new funding under this programme would be made available through a call for proposals to be conducted later this year, if possible.

I recognise the achievements made by Business in the Community Ireland to promote labour market integration for migrants and refugees. Officials in my Department are currently examining whether other supports could be made available to support the EPIC Programme. The Deputy will obviously be aware that there are many worthwhile projects funded by my Department and that the demand for funding can outstrip available resources.