Community Services Programme To Be Independently Reviewed

The Community Services Programme (CSP) is set for an independent review by a team of Indecon Consultants.

The CSP supports community-based organisations delivering vital services through a social enterprise model. It provides a contribution towards the cost of employing staff in CSP supported organisations. Some €46 million will be made available under the Programme in 2019.

The review will take six months and was announced by Michael Ring TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, following a public procurement process. Minister Ring commented: "I am delighted to see the review commence as I want to ensure that the programme fits with overall Government priorities as well as my Department's other community programmes and policy objectives.

"When the responsibility for the CSP transferred to my Department in January 2018, my immediate priority was to ensure its smooth transfer and maintain continuity of service for funded organisations. I look forward to receiving the review report and to ensuring that the CSP provides the best possible support for communities throughout Ireland."

The review will inform decisions on the future shape and structure of the programme, and is opportune given the emerging policies for local development, community development and social enterprise, as well as the fact that no review has been carried out since the CSP was introduced in 2006.

It will also ensure the programme is more closely aligned with current Department and Government policy and is better placed to meet community needs.

In concluding, the Minister thanked the organisations supported under the Programme: "The CSP supported organisations are carrying out invaluable work in their local communities and I must commend the staff and Boards of these organisations."



(JG/CM)