217 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will clarify the situation regarding funding for a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3062/11]

The group referred to by the Deputy was funded previously under the Community Development Programme (CDP), which came to an end on 31 December 2009 and was superseded by a new integrated programme, the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP). The group in question was funded during 2010 under the new Programme.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department has set out a national model for integrating groups such as the one to which he refers into the Local Development Companies (LDCs), which are tasked with delivering the LCDP. By integrating with an LDC, this group will continue to be funded under the LCDP and thereby assist in meeting the challenges that the current economic downturn has brought to a range of disadvantaged groups in the local community.

It is important to note that integration does not mean cessation of CDP-type activities in any given area. Any worthwhile community development activity or service delivered formerly under a CDP can continue to be delivered under the new integrated LCDP structure. I remain committed to the LCDP and would urge all relevant groups, formerly funded under the CDP, which have not yet completed the integration process, to work with my Department and Pobal to bring any outstanding issues to an early conclusion.