For some time now the Department has seen the need to redesign its community development/social inclusion programmes, particularly the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP) and Community Development Programme (CDP), drawing on best international practice to provide evidence of what works in this field and to establish and support ongoing evaluation of the programmes leading to greater efficiencies and better impacts for communities and individuals.
- Reply issued on behalf of Minister of State for Community Affairs, John Curran.
ADD YOUR COMMENTS, JUST CLICK BELOW.
It is clear from the Minister's response that NO ONE is clear as to the "rationale" behind the redesign of the SIP.
ReplyDeleteOther than to save money, there dosn't seem to be any evidence that it is going to improve anything for anyone.
The review being conducted by the centre for effectiviness studies has not yet been published. Why did the minister make this decision in advance of this report and is the minister planning on re-instating "technical support" previously provided by Regional Support Agencies. The international literature review by CES suggestes this forms part of best community development practice.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea why ministers amd politicians refer to "community development" it has no meaning within the current context of how business is being done which is based on NO CONSULTATION whatsoever - a complete and utter contrast to one of the primary principles of community development. HAS THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED FOR ONE MOMENT THE VOLUNTEERS AND WORKERS OF THE PROGRAMME MAYBE ABLE TO ADD THEIR EXPERTISE TO REDESIGN.
ReplyDeleteWhen I talk to collegues and friends in community development, nursing management and universities in Ireland, elsewhere in Europe and in North America, they are so impressed with the CDP and how it operates. A bit rough at the edges at times may be, but fantastic value for money and the best long term outcomes and impacts for communities I have ever had the pleasure of coming accross - why is Ireland not leading the way and taking credit for something other European and US communities would love to have? 20M a year is a pretty cheap way to put yourself at the forefront of Europe and buy yourself some great publicity on the world stage if you ask me.
ReplyDelete...oh yeah, nearly forgot, I just realised that no one asked me...or anyone else in CDP land for that matter.
ReplyDeleteIt is to cut funding to the CDP's because they are considered the least well organised, well Minister, you might be in for a big surprise.
ReplyDeleteAs Anon says, since the CES report hasn't been published yet, where is the evidence? And do CES have a full understanding of Community Development Principles to start with? And how can evidence be complete when all 'consultations' have been held behind closed doors and by invitation only? This poorly constructed consultation with CDP staff and users shows a great big gap in the 'evidence'. And I don't believe that the specific needs of rural populations has been addressed, not at all.
ReplyDeleteWhy aren't the CDPs consulted? Why is no research done with the groups who are affected by our work in the communities. How can anyone never mind the CES know what is happenning in the CDPs if they never seek to find out.
ReplyDeletePlease reference the evidence base for this decision...without that its as good as saying we are doing it because we feel like it
ReplyDelete