Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2024
14. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the future services and infrastructure her Department will provide for communities that are housing refugees fleeing war. [19528/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Since 2022 there have been unprecedented numbers of people seeking protection in Ireland due to conflicts in Ukraine, and elsewhere. The positive response of communities across the country has been central to Ireland's efforts to provide shelter and safety to those escaping conflict and persecution.
The provision of services and infrastructure for communities housing refugees fleeing war is very much a cross-Government issue, with education, health, housing and other services and sectors all impacted.
Within the Department of Rural and Community Development the key supports being provided are through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme and investment in community infrastructure through the Community Recognition Fund.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, or SICAP, is Ireland’s primary social inclusion intervention. SICAP aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality through local engagements and partnerships. SICAP workers have valuable experience and knowledge of supporting migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in their areas.
SICAP funding has increased substantially in recent years and core SICAP funding in 2024 stands at €51 million. In addition €10 million in non-core funding was provided in 2023 and again in 2024 to support services for new arrivals and to ensure that we protect services for existing target groups in our communities.
With regard to the Community Recognition Fund, in March, Minister Humphreys and I announced €50 million in funding for a second round of community projects under this Fund. This Fund specifically provides for projects that are located in communities, towns and villages that are hosting the beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants. This year’s allocation is in addition to the €50 million allocated in 2023 under the same scheme, bringing the total investment via the Community Recognition Fund to €100 million.
Under the 2023 scheme, some 900 projects were identified nationwide and I look forward to seeing the same level of ambition from our local authorities in 2024 and 2025.
Notwithstanding my Department’s work in this area, I would note again that this challenge is one that is being addressed right across Government so that we ensure communities welcoming new arrivals are supported.
