Mark Ward
Ceist:59. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice the criteria to make an application to the Community Safety Innovation Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24871/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 May 2022
Ceisteanna (59)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department opened applications for the new Community Safety Innovation Fund on 11 April.
Reflecting the success of An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau in identifying and seizing proceeds from criminal activity, the new fund will use money seized from the proceeds of crime to support investment in innovative community safety projects.
The Fund, which is expected to grow in the coming years, will have an initial outlay of €2m for this year and will be subject to a robust evaluation at the end of Year 1 to inform future decisions. The intention is that bids for further allocations will be part of the normal budgetary process.
It is anticipated that the kind of projects which may be supported will include new additional activities, not already covered by existing funding streams, intended to:
- tackle crime or reduce the fear of crime;
- improve community safety;
- support the creation of safe and resilient communities;
- reduce reoffending; or
- divert vulnerable individuals away from engagement in criminal behaviour.
This Fund will ensure that the success of An Garda Síochána and CAB is reflected back into new investments in our communities, and on projects which will build strong and safe communities.
Community Safety is about people being safe and, just as importantly, feeling safe within their communities. This, of course, goes beyond policing alone. This fund will ensure that the best proposals get the funding they need, and will encourage the development of innovative ways in which to improve community safety from those people who understand local needs best.
The development of innovative ideas will also allow best practice on community safety and youth justice to be shared with other partnerships and communities nationally as new proposals are developed.
The Fund is open to bodies involved in community safety and will support them in addressing local needs and opportunities for innovation not provided for in other funds managed by Departments and agencies. The call for applications for the Fund runs from 11 April until 8 June 2022 and grants will range from €20,000 to €150,000.
An information webinar will be held at 4pm on 30 May to provide information for potential applicants to the scheme.
If the Deputy is aware of any suitable projects, I would urge him to encourage them to apply for funding. Completed application forms are to be returned by 5pm on 8 June 2022 to a dedicated email address: CommunitySafetyInnovationFund@justice.ie
Further information is available on my Department's website.
Question No. 60 answered with Question No. 32.