Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
1298. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health when section 39 charities and companies will receive funding allocated to them by Pobal and currently being processed by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20516/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his question which I believe refers to the Community & Voluntary COVID19 Stability Scheme.
The Community and Voluntary Sector Covid-19 Stability Fund is 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 a direct result of restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19.
€35 million will be provided through the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF) against criteria aligned with DAF objectives to support:
- The personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged; or
- The educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged; or
- Persons with a disability.
The Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD), in conjunction with Pobal, developed the scheme and the application facility based on parameters agreed with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and by Government. The Stability Fund is administered by the DRCD and Pobal. They have asked Department of Health to assist with validation of applications from organisations operating in the health sector who have been selected for funding. Department of Health officials are now working with DRCD and the HSE to validate applications and to ensure their correctness.
When this process is complete, my officials will notify DRCD. Payment will issue to all successful applicants through Pobal.
