Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 December 2012
81. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the future of funding for the community and voluntary sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49896/12]
View answerMy Department provides funding to the community and voluntary sector through its many community, housing and environment programmes and initiatives. My Department is responsible for a range of programmes to support communities including the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP), the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP), the Seniors Alert Scheme, RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development) Programme, the Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector, the Forum on Philanthropy and Fundraising and Dormant Accounts disbursements.
My Department also provides funding to various community and voluntary sector organisations for the purpose of promoting environmental awareness and participation in environmental activities. This includes funding:
- through the LA21 Environmental Partnership Fund to assist small scale, local, non-profit environmental projects aimed at increasing environmental awareness and developing sustainable communities;
- to Environmental NGOs, directly and via the Irish Environmental Network, to assist their participation in environmental activities, and
- to An Taisce to run the Greens School Programme.
Under my Department’s Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), funding of up to 100% of the approved cost is provided to approved voluntary housing bodies for the provision of accommodation for older people, people with an intellectual, physical or mental health disability, the homeless, returning emigrants and victims of domestic violence. The administration of the scheme, including the detailed appraisal of new projects and the certification that proposals comply with the terms and conditions of the scheme, is the responsibility of the relevant housing authority. Funding is also allocated to housing authorities on an annual basis under the Social Housing Investment Programme and includes a provision to meet existing commitments for projects that are underway under CAS.
Future funding for my Department’s programmes and initiatives will be considered in the overall context of the annual Estimates process. All decisions in this regard will seek to maximise protection and prioritisation of front line services and support to customers and beneficiaries. Supporting a continued positive impact across the community and voluntary sector will be a key part of my Department’s work in the coming years.
