Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

There were several issues there. There is great value to me being in the Departments of Rural and Community Development and Social Protection as well as the Department we are discussing, and that was the thinking behind bringing me to this Department. I also bring the community sector links to this Department. We have all seen at a grassroots level communities responding throughout last year and more recently to the challenges they face. It is very much my intention to bring that value, experience and connections to this role as well, and that has started.

Kerry has been allocated €4.4 million under the community recognition fund. The Deputy mentioned holiday homes. A stream of work is happening to assist us in the challenges we face under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The vacant homes scheme has brought 800 properties on stream, which is an important assistance to mention from that Department.

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