Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022
912. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the options for funding that are available to an organisation established to respond to the arrival of Ukrainian refugees given that it has been deemed not eligible to apply through the Ireland for Ukraine fund due to it only being established in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35801/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently announced additional funding of €10.5 million for the community response to support people arriving from Ukraine.
Some €5 million in funding is being provided to the Local Development Companies through the SICAP Programme. Additionally, €500,000 is being allocated to support our volunteer centres, which have been dealing with a huge demand for services since the start of the war in Ukraine.
The remaining €5 million is being allocated to the Ireland for Ukraine Fund, which is a fund administered by the Community Foundation for Ireland. The eligibility criteria for this fund is set by CFI.
As with all Government funding, organisations applying for funding must show a track record of appropriate governance arrangements and demonstrate the capacity to effectively target and utilise funds. In the case of new groups set up to address a particular issue, I would urge them to consider aligning with an established charity already operating in the area providing the kinds of practical supports and assistance that the Ukrainian people need at this time.
From the outset of the crisis, my Department has supported the community response to people arriving from Ukraine. For example, in Wexford, every flexibility was given in relation to the SICAP Programme from the time of the first arrivals into the county. This enabled SICAP paid staff in local development companies focus on providing the immediate supports that the new arrivals needed, particularly in Rosslare as a point of entry into Ireland.
Funding in the amount of €25,000 was also made available to the Wexford Volunteer Centre given their unique role in the front line reception centre in Rosslare. This funding enabled the volunteer centre to source an additional resource for a six month period. This was provided in advance of the allocation of €500,000 to volunteer centres nationally referred to above.
