Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2022
807. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will review the eligibility criteria for the community and voluntary sector energy support scheme to include organisations that are receiving minimum part-funding from the HSE and are struggling financially to maintain vital services to older and vulnerable persons in rural areas (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59312/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra808. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an organisation (details supplied) will qualify for the community and voluntary energy support scheme; if not, the reason therefor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59328/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 807 and 808 together.
The Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and the charities sector, and actively responds to support the sector in meeting these challenges – be they the impact of COVID-19, the high cost of energy currently, or otherwise. We remain committed to supporting the sector through these challenges.
The recent budget allocated €10m to my Department to put in place a support scheme for community and voluntary organisations and charities. I am pleased to advise that applications for the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS) opened on 21st November.
The scheme is administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development and will provide once-off support to organisations within the Community and Voluntary sector which fall outside the parameters of other energy support schemes being delivered by Government. Further scheme details are now available on the Pobal website. I would encourage intending applicants to apply as early as possible in advance of the scheme closing on 3rd December.
The higher energy costs of organisations such as the one in question, which are funded by the HSE pursuant to Section 38 or Section 39 of the Health Act 2004, are not eligible for the CVESS and should apply under the relevant Department of Health scheme(s) when available.
I was pleased to previously make funding of €98,327 and €80,000 available to the organisation in question under the COVID-19 Stability Fund in 2020 and 2021 respectively, to support them meeting operational costs and maintaining service delivery during the pandemic.
My department has also announced a €10m Community Support Fund (CSF) to be administered by the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) within each local authority. This fund may support community and voluntary organisations to meet their general running costs (excluding energy costs where these are funded under another scheme) and the enhancement of facilities.
Furthermore, my department recently announced funding of €800,000 to support Men’s Sheds with running costs. The individual grants will be distributed to the over 400 Men’s Sheds via its representative body, the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA).
These Schemes are part of a range of supports introduced through Budget ’23 and everyone is encouraged to visit gov.ie/reduceyouruse to find out how they can make energy savings, where safe and possible to do so.
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.
