Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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843. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an application by an organisation (details supplied) to Pobal for funding for an additional full-time worker; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29672/24]

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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My Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports over 430 community-based organisations to provide local social, economic and environmental services through a social enterprise model, providing a contribution towards the cost of CSP supported staff in organisations.

I am aware that the organisation in question is currently in receipt of CSP supports for one full time equivalent (FTE) position at the medium rate of funding, resulting in a current annual contract value of €23,175.

An application window for funding for additional staff posts to existing CSP funded organisations was opened on September 1st 2023 with a closing date of 29th September. Pobal, who manage and administer the programme on behalf of my Department, received a large volume of applications from CSP supported organisations. All applications received were considered carefully against the eligibility criteria, and those deemed eligible were assessed against the selection criteria of the Programme as outlined in the application guidelines.

On 18th June, I made an announcement approving €1 million in funding to support a further seven manager positions and thirty five FTE positions, in 32 existing CSP supported organisations.

I understand that the organisation in question had submitted a request under this Call for Applications seeking funding towards the cost of an additional full time equivalent post. Unfortunately, in this instance, their application did not meet the required threshold to be considered for support. I am advised that Pobal have notified all applicants on the outcome of their application, in recent days.

It is open to the organisation to seek feedback from Pobal via , noting that this decision is open to appeal and that Pobal has provided unsuccessful applicants with the Appeal guidelines.

In the interim, if the organisation in question currently requires immediate support they should consider contacting their Local Development Company or the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) in their local authority, who may be able to provide some guidance on other supports available at this time.

Their Local Intreo Office may be able to assist with the possibility of further additional staff resources through activation programmes such as Community Employment or Tús.