Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 November 2020
360. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which she and her Department have studied and assessed the need for community development in urban and rural areas with particular reference to issues arising from Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34464/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra361. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps she can take to encourage community development and involvement in all urban and rural settings throughout the country with particular reference to matters arising from Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34465/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra362. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of schemes available to her Department to support community development in all areas throughout the country with particular reference to areas affected by unemployment arising from Covid-19 or other socio-economic issues; the extent to which schemes are being tailored to meet the demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34466/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 360, 361 and 362 together.
My Department is committed to supporting community development across Ireland. Providing strong community supports helps to empower and develop communities that value the health and wellbeing of all.
In August 2019, my Department launched Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities: A five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland. The ambitious strategy was co-produced by Government and the Community and Voluntary Sector through a Cross Sectoral Group (CSG) established for that purpose. It will support partnership and joint effort at all levels and between all stakeholders.
My Department has a general oversight and support role with regard to the LCDCs, and also provides financial support to the Local Authorities to support the work of the community function within their areas including community development functions.
Direct funding and financial support is provided to all 31 Public Participation Networks (PPNs), established in all local authority areas both rural and urban. PPNs contribute to community development by giving local volunteer-run groups a direct voice within the formal decision-making structures of the local authority.
Following the Covid-19 outbreak, my Department has liaised with all PPNs in relation to their business continuity planning and has provided a range of practical advice on how best to continue their operations and benefit their member groups during this challenging period.
Under the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, my Department is providing funding of approximately €190m over 2018 to 2022 to local development companies across Ireland allowing them to develop the capacity of individuals and community groups in their area.
Separately, the Programme for Partnership Government commits to introducing a number of projects similar in approach to community development projects. Officials in my Department are currently scoping a proposal which would support a small number of existing independent community development organisations to work with marginalised communities and support flexible and innovative community work initiatives.
Theese are some examples of how my Department supports Community Development across Ireland. Other schemes and programmes such as the Community Enhancement Programme and the Community Services programme provide further assistance in this regard. More detail can be found on the Depratment's website https://www.gov.ie/en/policy/d5adb8-community-supports/
