Thomas Pringle
Question:730. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will change the criteria for funding for some of the smaller islands on the Donegal coast (details supplied). [42747/23]
View answerDepartmental Funding
Questions (730)
Written answers
The new national islands policy, Our Living Islands, which I launched recently, recognises that good transport services and a developed infrastructure are important prerequisites for maintaining island populations. My Department’s aim is to seek to meet these requirements through current and capital investment.
The policy is focused on islands that are cut off daily from the mainland by the tide, are not connected (to the mainland) by a bridge or causeway, are not in private ownership, and have a permanent year round population.
My Department has a dedicated annual capital allocation for the islands. This includes provision for a minor capital works programme which provides co-funding to encourage Local Authorities to undertake smaller infrastructure works on the islands. Works undertaken include, but are not limited to, repairs to piers and roads (subject to roads being under charge of the Local Authority), maintenance or construction of slipways, piers and other public infrastructure.
Under this minor works programme, my Department provides the relevant Local Authorities with 90% of the funding required for works. Priority is given to works on islands that have a permanent year round population. Local Authorities are not precluded from applying for funding for works on islands referred to by the Deputy, which may be considered subject to availability of resources. In such cases, officials from the relevant Local Authority should engage directly with officials in my Department's Islands Unit.
Data Protection
Questions (731)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:731. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of data breaches experienced by her Department in each of the past ten years and to date in 2023. [42372/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department was established in July 2017. Between that date and 2023 to date, my Department has identified 9 data breaches (1 in 2018, 2 in 2020, 1 in 2021, 5 in 2022, and 0 in 2023 to date).
The nature of those breaches was due to information disclosed in error. In the case of each incident immediate remedial action was undertaken, and where necessary, the Data Protection Commission was notified in line with Data Protection regulations.
Departmental Funding
Questions (732)
Denise Mitchell
Question:732. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what capital funding streams are open to community groups, such as men's sheds, that are seeking to either build or acquire a permanent facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42669/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department provides a range of supports which are available to community groups, such as Men's Sheds, depending on the works being completed.
Men's Sheds were eligible to apply for funding under the Community Support Fund (CSF) that was announced last November as part of the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP). The €10 million CSF was set up to help small community groups with their energy/running costs but also to provide funding for small capital works projects. The CSF is now closed and details of successful Men’s Sheds are available at www.gov.ie/DRCD. Since 2018, over €2 million in funding was allocated to Men’s Sheds under the CEP.
While there is likely to be a new iteration of the Community Enhancement Programme in late 2023, the exact scope is yet to be determined. Groups are encouraged to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPNs) to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
The 2023 Town and Village Renewal Scheme is designed to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland through projects focusing on town centre regeneration, enhancing our streetscapes and bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into use as community multi-purpose spaces through refurbishment and renovation. The Scheme is administered through Local Authorities and is open to applications by close of business on 10th November 2023.
The 2023-2027 LEADER programme will support a broad range of activities which aim to respond to the diversity of the local needs of our rural areas. Community groups, such as Men's Sheds, may be considered eligible for funding under the LEADER programme. Interested applicants should, in the first instance, contact the relevant LAG in their area to discuss project eligibility and available funding. Details of LAGs are available on my Department's website at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/c45498-local-action-groups .
The emergence of the Men’s Sheds in recent years has been a very positive development for communities across Ireland. They provide a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment where people of all ages can share skills and work on meaningful projects and connect with their communities.
My Department will continue to provide supports through our relevant existing funding streams to support community groups. Details on all programmes and funding available are published on my Department’s website www.drcd.gov.ie
Departmental Policies
Questions (733)
Ivana Bacik
Question:733. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has a policy on the use of artificial intelligence; and if any Departmental functions are assisted by language model-based chatbots (details supplied). [42822/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department's managed ICT service is provided through the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO). I can confirm that my Department does not make use of artificial intelligence and that none of my Departmental functions are assisted by language model-based chatbots.