Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022
1152. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is a process by which a town can be classified autism friendly; if so, if there is a funding stream available for such classifications; and if not, if she will work with Ministerial colleagues to create a process. [37317/22]
View answerMy colleague, Ms. Anne Rabbitte T.D., Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Disability at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, has responsibility for the development of the Autism Innovation Strategy.
I understand that the designation of autism friendly towns is part of an initiative carried out by 'As I Am', a charity operating in the area. This process operates independently of Government and does not come under my remit.
My Department funds 'As I Am' through the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO). The SSNO provides core costs for national organisations and is not provided for programme or regional costs such as referenced in the question.
Local authorities are currently developing their new Local Economic and Community Plans and there may be potential for including local autism initiatives, at their own discretion.
While my Department does not have a funding stream process by which a town can be classified autism friendly, there are funding streams available to enhance facilities and amenities in towns and villages. Such programmes and schemes include the following:
Town and Village Renewal
- The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and supports small to medium capital projects which enhance the environment of town or village centres. Since its introduction, almost €113 million has been allocated to more than 1,400 projects across Ireland.
- This year’s scheme includes, under Priority category A2 , funding for projects to develop parks, plazas, public outdoor dining spaces, green spaces (including allotments) and recreational spaces/amenities in town centres to make them vibrant hubs for community enjoyment, and to increase footfall for local businesses.
LEADER
- Funding may be available through the LEADER Programme for the type of project referred to by the Deputy. LEADER is a multi-annual programme which is delivered through 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) around the country.
- Support under the LEADER programme is provided under a broad range of themes, one of which is Social Inclusion.
- In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.
- Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their relevant Local Action Group, through its Implementing Partner, to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. The list of all Local Action Groups, their Implementing Partners and their contact details, is available on the Gov.ie website at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/c45498-local-action-groups.
Libraries
- My Department has policy responsibility for Public Libraries, and provides funding to supplement investment by local authorities in their public library services. The current public libraries strategy, ‘Our Public Libraries 2022 - Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities’ includes a specific focus on communities and individuals at risk of being socially excluded, marginalised or disadvantaged.
- In 2019 my Department approved funding of almost €700,000 to support the provision of sensory facilities and equipment in Public Libraries which included equipment such as a Sensory Pod in Carrigaline and sensory play equipment in all the Cork City library branches.
- Since 2019 my Department has provided funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund which supports marginalised, socially excluded and disadvantaged communities. This has included funding for library staff training to support certain library branches in becoming Autism Friendly spaces e.g. Scarriff, Co Clare and a number of library branches in Fingal County Council. In 2021 and 2022, Dormant Accounts funding has also been provided to support the provision of modern equipment in public libraries which improves accessibility for people with a disability and those with autism and sensory needs. Funding under this programme includes sensory walls, sensory toys, sensory gardens and sensory pods.
The Autism Innovation Strategy, which is in development, will take a whole-of-government approach to advance the rights of people with autism in Irish society and will play an important role in shaping future policies and strategies across government to address challenges and barriers faced by the community of neurodiverse people in Ireland.
