Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
428. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice when recipients under the latest community innovation funding call will be announced; when the fund will reopen to applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29086/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Community Safety Innovation Fund, was established in April 2021 by myself and the Minister for Public Expenditure to allow proceeds of crime to be directed into community projects to support community safety. The fund was allocated €2 million under Budget 2022.
The funding was increased to €3 million for 2023, with the call for applications to the 2023 fund closing last month. Applications for the 2023 fund are currently being considered by officials in my Department and I look forward to seeing the projects that will emerge from this new round of funding. It is anticipated that another round of funding will open for applicants in 2024.
The Community Safety Innovation Fund reflects the successes of An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau in identifying and seizing the ill-gotten gains of criminals. Equally, people across Ireland are working tirelessly in their communities to prevent crime from taking hold and make their local areas safer. The fund seeks to recognise and combine both of these actions.
