International Protection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024

Tuesday, 9 April 2024

Ceisteanna (1125)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

1125. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will respond to concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the International Protection Integration Fund; the steps he will take to ensure greater dissemination of information relating to the fund, in particular to ensure that community organisations are aware of the fund and its associated deadlines; the reason groups registered on the Public Participation Network were not notified of the details of, including the deadlines for, the fund; if community organisations who are keen to receive funding can apply to the fund at this point; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14495/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The International Protection Integration Fund was open from 7th February to 6th March of this year. A press release announced the launch of the funding call. A total of 245 applications were received requesting over €10m in grant funding, demonstrating that the fund was widely publicised. The fund was launched at an earlier date than last year due to the pressing needs of community organisations working with International Protection Applicants. 

As with all integration themed funding calls run by my Department the fund was publicised via official press release, the department’s website and social media accounts. 

The deadline for application has passed. However there will be more integration themed funding calls announced in the coming months.