In relation to the programme for Government commitment to strengthen community supports, what plans does to the Government have to increase community supports in the coming year?

Yesterday, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Michael Ring, announced funding of €815,000 for 12 new social enterprises under strand 3 of the community services programme, or CSP. The CSP supports local community-based organisations and activities to deliver a diverse range of services in communities while providing employment opportunities for people from specific target groups. Organisations funded by the programme are encouraged to develop and deliver good quality services and provide good quality employment opportunities to their employees. The funding announced will support services under strand 3 of the CSP. The strand focuses on services which meet two core objectives, namely developing and providing social enterprise through the funded organisations offering to the community and creating career progression opportunities for members of the target groups.