Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021

Wednesday, 24 February 2021

Questions (1139)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

1139. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will review correspondence (details supplied); if a response will issue to the request being made for the reopening of the fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10286/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development

The Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and is committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach.

In 2020, my Department provided support through the €45m COVID 19 Stability Fund for organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector, Charities and Social Enterprises. The Fund was intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups delivering critical front-line services to the most at need in our society and in danger of imminent closure due to lost fund-raised or traded income as we dealt with the sudden introduction of social restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19. This Fund was in conjunction with many other Government supports. This fund is providing up to €45million of funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF) and the criteria aligned with DAF objectives 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.

My Department received 1,060 applications during the application periods. Funding of over €43m, including the additional €10M in funding announced during Budget 2021, has been approved to over 600 organisations to date and the payment processes for this funding remain ongoing.

An additional €10M has been allocated to the Stability Fund as part of the Covid-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 plan announced by the Taoiseach on Tuesday 23rd February. Further details on how relevant organisations can apply for this funding will be available shortly.