Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 December 2020
199. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the grant assistance or supports that are being made available to places of worship to enable Covid-19 protocols to be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42549/20]
View answerI am acutely aware of the difficulties that communities and voluntary organisations have faced in recent months due to the impact of social distancing requirements.
The Government’s 'Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19, the operation and reopening of Ireland' will be guided by the need to manage risk and repairing the damage that COVID-19 has inflicted on society, and the implementation of appropriate measures to do so across society as the situation evolves.
Earlier this year, the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) introduced a package for Community and Voluntary Organisations, Charities and Social Enterprises. This includes a Stability Fund of up to €35m and a Philanthropy Fund of €5m. Under the July stimulus a €5m fund for repairs or upgrades to community centres and community buildings was launched.
DRCD is also responsible for the Community Services Programme (CSP) and Community Enhancement Programme (CEP), which may be of some assistance.
My colleague, Minister Heather Humphreys T.D., Minister for Rural and Community Development, may be able to provide more specific details on these schemes and the roadmap to recovery.
