gov - Increase in SICAP funding will benefit the most disadvantaged

Mr Michael Ring, TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development , today announced €39.2m funding for the 2020 Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Government’s primary scheme targeted towards social inclusion intervention. This represents a 3% increase on 2019 funding for the programme.

SICAP, which is co-funded by the European Social Fund, supports unemployed people, those living in deprived areas, people with disabilities, single parent families, people on low income, members of the Traveller and Roma community and other disadvantaged groups. Almost 32,000 people were assisted by the programme in 2018.

Announcing the funding today, Minister Ring said :

“This increase underpins this Government’s on-going commitment to social inclusion and community development. This programme works to tackle poverty, social exclusion and long-term unemployment through supporting local engagement and partnership between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations, public sector agencies and other stakeholders.”

Since 2018, with support from SICAP:

Over 43,00 people were supported, of which 40% were from a jobless household and 31% were long term unemployed
16,502 people completed a lifelong learning course
4,024 people set up their own business and 2,168 got jobs
3,066 community groups were helped
334 social enterprises were supported.

Minister Ring continued :

“The programme will continue to reach out to help those who need it most in disadvantaged areas, urban and rural, by encouraging and supporting people towards accessing mainstream services.

“I know from experience that programmes such as SICAP make a real difference to communities on the ground, especially those groups and individuals in our communities that are marginalised and suffering disadvantage, and I will continue to do my best to secure additional funding for this vital programme.”

ENDS

Notes for editors:

SICAP Funding Allocations

SICAP assists both individuals and groups through a two-pronged approach; supporting communities and supporting individuals.
SICAP is implemented by groups across the country that were selected through a public procurement process undertaken by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs).
LCDCs are responsible for the management and oversight of the contract with the Local Development Companies responsible for the delivery of SICAP at local level.
SICAP is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development with co-funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.
SICAP target groups include; children and families living in disadvantaged areas, lone parents, new communities (including refugees/asylum seekers), people living in disadvantaged communities, people with disabilities, Roma, the unemployed (including those not on the Live Register), travellers, and young unemployed people living in disadvantaged areas
Pobal, as agent of the Department and acting on the Department’s behalf, has responsibility for the national management and oversight of SICAP. Their role includes monitoring the programme at a high level and preparing national programme progress reports.

Increase in SICAP funding will benefit the most disadvantaged - Minister Ring

Since 2018, with support from SICAP:

ENDS

Notes for editors:

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