2 PROGRAMMES TO BE MERGED - CURRAN IN CAVAN

The Community Development Programme, first established in 1990, is to be absorbed into a new unnamed programme that also incorporates the Local Development and Social Inclusion Programme.
The announcement was made on Friday (Sept 18th) by Minister of State (MOS) John Curran at a Community and Voluntary Forum conference in Co. Cavan, although details on the plan were not given.
'Changing Ireland' has requested an interview with the MOS on questions that arise from the announcement.
In his speech in Cavan, he said:
"I am seeking improved alignment and focus across the range of programmes for which I have responsibility in the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. In this regard, I have been giving particular attention to the redesign of the Local Development Social Inclusion and the Community Development Programmes.
"I have to say that I am not convinced that two separate programmes and two separate delivery structures is the best way to serve the community. In the current economic climate, the case for a single focussed effective programme is, in my view, indisputable and I will be fighting for resources for the measures covered by the programmes on this basis in the context of the 2010 Budget."

An accompanying press release, which described the process in terms of the "integration" of the 2 programmes, quoted MOS Curran as saying: “We will continue to do everything we can to improve efficiency and prioritise the provision of frontline services to those who need them the most. One single, focussed programme will ensure that services will be more streamlined and will best serve those who use them.
“We are currently undertaking a thorough review of the Community Development Programme and will shortly have a full report on the findings and recommendations that arise from that review.
“Programme redesign work by the Centre for Effective Services is underway. Overall, we are preparing for a roll-out of a single, redesigned programme in 2010, in the context of the budgetary position.”

John Curran is the Minister of State for the National Drugs Strategy and Community Affairs at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. He is from Clondalkin in Dublin.

A letter from Crawford College of Art & Design - Some places still available

Dear Editor,

Please check out link below for updated information about a new course starting in October delivered through Crawford College of Art & Design in Cork. There are still some places left on our course in ARTS PARTICIPATION AND DEVELOPMENT: Creative approaches to Global Education and Action. It's an Accredited Programme.
I would be grateful if you could include application information in your news feed.

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1200 "positive outcomes" marched against CDP cuts!

BY ALLEN MEAGHER, EDITOR
If you were there you know the score and well done for standing up for your community, your project and your jobs!
If you didn't make it, check out these marvellous photos on Indymedia by Paula Geraghty and this 3 minute video report by 'Changing Ireland'.

The National Community Development Forum held a meeting prior to the march and discussed the pressure on volunteers, the latest (CES) review of the Programme and related issues. More details in the next post.

Well done to SIPTU and to everyone involved in the march. Many projects are now starting to engage regionally in lobbying their politicians. The CDP cuts will be raised in Dail questions very shortly and more regional/local protests are on the way.

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OUT NOW! - THE LATEST 'CHANGING IRELAND!

Our newest edition of 'Changing Ireland' is currently rolling through the presses in Offaly. If you want to see it before anyone else, check it out here.

The front cover tells the story of drastic cuts hitting communities across Ireland and what the Community Sector is saying and doing about it.
There are also features on 'Enabling Dissent', the rise of volunteering, and advice for community workers dealing with families of prisoners.
Plus news on:
- the introduction of standards for Community Development Work.
- the establishment by local volunteers and workers of a national body to represent projects in Ireland's poorest parts.
- Fine Gael's new policy that would see most community groups become part of the local authority structure.
Plus reviews of new books on changing the world and on how more equal societies are better for everyone.
Finally, the latest on Horace - our agony uncle - he has temporarily given up giving advice to pursue a legal claim against An Bord Snip for stealing all his ideas...

OUT NOW ON THE WEB! OUT NEXT WEEK IN PRINT!