Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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The Atlantic economic corridor. The collaborative work of the Department, the Western Development Commission and the local authorities will ensure there is a much enhanced resource working on the AEC project and that there is a co-ordinated approach to its development.

With regard to rural broadband provision and mobile phone coverage, the role of the Department is to support the local authorities in preparing for the roll-out of the national broadband plan. This involves officials working closely with the local authorities to identify and mitigate barriers that may delay roll-out. In 2019 the Department will provide €42,000 for each local authority to support a broadband officer whose role will be to facilitate the roll-out of telecommunications infrastructure. This essential role has been recognised by industry sources as having a transformative impact on their relationships with the local authorities and central government.

The Department has lead responsibility for developing the relationship between the State and the community and voluntary sector and setting the policy framework in this area. Some €12.6 million is budgeted for in 2019 to provide supports for the community and voluntary sector, including approximately €6.5 million for the scheme to support national organisations, €2.3 million for the senior alerts scheme and €3.2 million to support volunteering and a network of 21 volunteer centres throughout the country. This funding will have a positive impact across the country. It will support organisations and people who make an enormous contribution to furthering social and community development throughout the country.

The ongoing development of public participation networks, PPNs, is continuing. The allocation for this area has been increased from €1.55 million last year to €1.75 million this year. It will allow the Department to make an increased allocation available to each PPN, with matching funding of at least €30,000 from the relevant local authority. The Department has continued to provide practical support to underpin the PPNs, including the publication of a PPN user guide to support all PPN stakeholders - member organisations, secretariats, resource workers and local authorities - in making progress with a nationally consistent framework for PPNs.

The 2019 allocation for the Dormant Accounts Fund is €12.57 million, which represents an increase of €2 million on the 2018 allocation. In line with the Dormant Accounts Acts, this funding must be used to address social, economic or educational disadvantage or support people with a disability. In 2019 funding is earmarked for a number of projects which will address disadvantage across the country. Social Innovation Fund Ireland is being allocated up to €5 million to continue its excellent work. The senior alerts scheme is being allocated up to €2 million to supplement its funding and meet the level of demand for the scheme. Up to €2 million is being provided for capital supports for social enterprise. Up to €1.2 million is being provided to establish permanent volunteer centres in areas which do not have them. Up to €1 million is being used to support employment along the Atlantic economic corridor.

The Further Revised Estimate provides €4.6 million in funding for the Charities Regulatory Authority in 2019.

The Charities Regulator is Ireland's national statutory regulator for charitable organisations. The general function of the regulator is to regulate charitable organisations operating in Ireland, in order to increase public trust and confidence in their management and administration. By the end of 2018, there were 9,799 charities registered with the Charities Regulatory Authority. During 2019, the Charities Regulatory Authority will publish its second strategy statement and, in particular, develop and publish guidance to assist charities in implementing the charities code of governance.

I am delighted to be working with the Minister, Deputy Ring, in progressing our remit of supporting rural and community development, contributing to the economic and social development of rural Ireland and supporting the well-being of our communities. I am committed to ensuring that the funding being provided to the Department supports these goals and delivers for people and communities throughout the country. I am happy to answer any questions that committee members might have.