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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020

Wednesday, 27 May 2020

Questions (902)

Michael McGrath

Question:

902. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the €35 million Covid-19 stability fund for the charity and voluntary sector is up and running; the number of applications there has been to the fund; the number of applications accepted; the amount paid out of the fund; the number of organisations that have received funding to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8010/20]

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Written answers

The Community and Voluntary Sector Covid-19 Stability Fund is intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups currently delivering critical front-line services to those most in need in our society and in danger of imminent closure due to lost fund-raised or traded income as a direct result of restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19.

This scheme is funded by Dormant Accounts Funding and so the criteria align with its objective to support:

1. The personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged; or

2. The educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged; or

3. Persons with a disability.

Mindful of the difficulties and issues raised by the sector, the Stability Scheme was established to urgently assist organisations at immediate risk of closure. The application process for the Stability Scheme was designed to avoid placing unnecessary or onerous administrative burdens on the applicant organisations. This was to ensure swift turnaround times to facilitate draw down of funds by eligible applicants so that they may continue to provide critical services to those most in need in our communities across Ireland.

The application deadline was extended by one day in order to facilitate those organisations that had technical issues or required clarification on their eligibility. The application process closed at 8pm on Thursday 21st May 2020. The Scheme has received over 1,000 applications and the assessment and approval process is currently underway. Organisations approved for funding from the Stability Fund will be informed in the coming weeks.

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