Written answer
Departmental Programmes
SICAP exceeded its 2025 performance targets by 22%, with impact monitored through annual reporting and research. A mid-programme review will consult rural stakeholders, while Budget 2027 allocates just under €65 million to SICAP to support continued delivery and funding stability.
489. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the assessment that has been undertaken of the effectiveness of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) in reaching people experiencing poverty, social isolation and disadvantage in rural communities; the proportion of the programme funding has been allocated to rural areas in each of the past three years, broken down by county; and the additional measures and resources planned for 2027 to address rural disadvantage. [75090/26]
Comment on this
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), is our country’s primary social inclusion intervention.
SICAP has 2 programme goals. Goal one is supporting communities, which involves supporting local community groups representing disadvantaged communities and target groups. Goal two involves supporting individuals who have been identified as being in need, to improve their life through lifelong learning and training, labour market supports to improve work readiness, or working with people in broader and more holistic ways so that they can improve their quality of life and general well-being.
Under each of these goals, Programme Implementers (PIs) and their relevant Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) are required to set and meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) based on indicative Department data on an annual basis. Information on KPI outputs as well as beneficiary progress and results are captured through the Integrated Reporting and Information System (IRIS).
The 2025 SICAP Annual Report highlights the significant impact of the programme, which has a renewed focus on targeting those who are most disadvantaged in Irish society. By the end of 2025, KPIs for the programme were exceeded by 22%, indicating strong programme reach among marginalised individuals and communities.
Programme impact and outcomes are also recorded through Case Studies submitted each year by Programme Implementers, including case studies highlighting ongoing SICAP supports and services delivered in rural locations.
In addition to the continuous in-programme monitoring, my Department regularly commissions research and assessments of programme efficacy for SICAP, which are available on Pobal's website here: https://www.pobal.ie/programmes/social-inclusion-and-community-activation-programme-sicap-2024-2028/.
Preliminary work is currently underway on a mid-programme review and consultation for SICAP 2024 - 2028, and I can confirm that stakeholders in rural communities, including beneficiaries, community groups, programme implementers and Local Community Development Committees will be consulted for their views on programme efficacy as part of the review process. The findings of the review and consultation will inform programme design for the next iteration of SICAP and feedback in regard to programme delivery and supports in rural areas will of course be carefully considered.
My department remains committed to supporting SICAP and working collaboratively with Programme Implementers and other stakeholders to ensure that the programme continues to respond effectively to emerging social inclusion challenges. I am pleased to have secured almost €74 million for SICAP and other social inclusion supports in Budget 2027. Just under €65 million of that allocation is for SICAP providing greater long-term funding stability for the programme and enabling the continuation of important work across the country.
As requested, a table detailing total funding allocations for the past three years by county for rural areas is set out below: