Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2022
298. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will confirm the way the €60 million announced in Budget 2023 to support community and voluntary organisations with energy costs will be allocated; the framework for assistance under same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52396/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and the charities sector in meeting the high cost of energy currently and is committed to supporting the sector in meeting these costs.
Not-for-profit and voluntary organisations in the Community and Voluntary sector are woven into the fabric of community life across Ireland, but they are vulnerable to the impact of increased energy costs.
The recent budget allocated €10m to my Department to put in place a support scheme for community and voluntary organisations and charities. The framework for delivering this assistance will be developed by my department within the next few weeks to ensure access to support in a timely manner. Additional funding has also been allocated to the Department of Tourism, Sports, Arts, Gaeltacht and the Media to address the challenges faced by not-for-profit and voluntary organisations in the Arts, Sports and Gaeltacht sectors.
My Department will continue to work with relevant stakeholders, including the community and voluntary sector, charities, local authorities and local development companies, to support community organisations across the country as they deal with the ongoing and emerging challenges. I would encourage all groups to engage with Gov.ie, their Local Authority and Local Development Company so that they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
