Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2022
142. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of projects that are funded under the Community Integration Fund announced recently; the purposes for the moneys provided; if he has earmarked any funding specifically for the Ukrainian community now in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36693/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Communities Integration Fund provides small grant funding (€1,000 - €5,000 per project) to local community-based projects to support the integration of migrant and host communities.
The purpose of the 2022 Fund is to support communities across Ireland to play a greater role in promoting the integration of migrants. This funding can be used for both once-off initiatives and short to medium term projects. Projects should take an inclusive approach aiming to bring migrants and host communities together and may not be directed solely to any one particular ethnic group or nationality. Projects under the following themes were eligible for consideration: Intercultural Awareness; Combating Racism and Xenophobia; Sport & Community Games; Arts; Food/Cuisine; Community Events; Capacity Building; Employment; Education; and Integration Research. Projects involving initiatives that support the integration of migrant women, or that were aimed at supporting migrant children and youth, or that support migrants meaningfully to participate in the labour market, or that promote community volunteering, were given special priority and attracted additional marking during the selection process.
On 24 June 2022, I announced that 124 community projects were successful in their applications to receive funding under the Communities Integration Fund 2022 totalling €566,492.60, following a competitive open call which was open for applications between 10 March and 6 April 2022. Some of the projects funded were to assist Ukrainian arrivals to Ireland. The list of grantees was published on my Department's website on 24 June.
