Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
1045. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason funding for amateur groups nationally that have experienced very heavy losses announced through Pobal prohibited organisations with charity status working in the arts from applying for these funds (details supplied). [8623/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The Community and Voluntary Sector Covid-19 Stability Fund will provide a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups currently delivering critical front-line services to those most in need in our society and 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.
In line with the objectives of the Dormant Accounts Funding, organisations in sectors delivering critical front-line services to vulnerable communities are being prioritised in this Fund and therefore most organisations working in the Arts are not eligible.
The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has produced an information booklet outlining specific supports available to those operating in the Arts Sector. It is available for download at: https://www.chg.gov.ie/app/uploads/2020/05/covid-19-support-and-information-for-the-arts-sector.pdf.
