The Community Call initiative is a coming together of National Government with Local Government and the Community and Voluntary Sector, to put in place a safety net for people who are cocooning and need extra help at this time, particularly if their usual networks of support are unable to reach them. Forums were put in place in all 31 local authority areas over the weekend of 28/29 March.
Under the leadership of local authorities, each Fora includes public sector organisations, such as the HSE, An Garda Siochána and Civil Defence, national organisations, like Alone and An Post and Community and Voluntary organisations. Membership of each Fora is managed locally, and based on local needs and capacities to respond.
The role of the Fora is ensure that everyone who needs support is identified, the support required is carefully assessed and the appropriate practical support is provided, by a trusted source. Such practical supports include the collection and delivery of food, meals, fuel, medication, pensions and other essential items, in strict accordance with public health advice.
To support the work of the Forums further, in early April, my colleague, Mr Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development launched an Emergency Fund fund to support the community response. This €2.5m fund was to provide immediate and urgently needed funding to community and voluntary groups participating in the "Community Call” initiative. Local Authorities are administering this fund.
At national level, an oversight group, chaired by my Department and comprising representatives from the Departments of Rural and Community Development, Health and An Taoiseach, as well as the County and City Management Association (CCMA) and Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), oversees the operation of the Community Call initiative.
The Oversight Group includes representation from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) COVID-19 Subgroup - Vulnerable People. Specific responsibility for people in direct provision rests with my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, and my Department has no role in that regard. I understand that Department is represented on the NPHET Vulnerable People Sub Group.
Where needs are identified in the community, practical supports can be and are being provided via Community Call Fora at a local level. The provision of such supports is for each Forum.
