Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
901. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will introduce a special grant scheme for community and voluntary organisations that are members of the PPN nationwide in view of the Covid-19 crisis and the considerable financial loss they have experienced. [7842/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations many of whom are members of Public Participation Networks all over the country. We are committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach.
The Community and Voluntary Sector Covid-19 Stability Fund is intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups, many of which may be members of Public Participation Networks, which are currently delivering critical front-line services to those most in need in our society and are in danger of imminent closure due to lost fund-raised or traded income as a direct result of restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19.
This scheme is funded by Dormant Accounts Funding and so the criteria align with its objective 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.
Mindful of the difficulties and issues raised by the sector, the Stability Scheme was established to urgently assist organisations at immediate risk of closure. The application process for the Stability Scheme was designed to avoid placing unnecessary or onerous administrative burdens on the applicant organisations. This was to ensure swift turnaround times to facilitate draw down of funds by eligible applicants so that they may continue to provide critical services to those most in need in our communities across Ireland.
The application deadline was extended by one day in order to facilitate those organisations that had technical issues or required clarification on their eligibility. The application process closed at 8pm on Thursday 21st May 2020. The Scheme has received over 1,000 applications and the assessment and approval process is currently underway. Organisations approved for funding from the Stability Fund will be informed in the coming weeks.
