Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a €50 million fund. It is separate in its objectives and scope from any other public funding streams which aim to support the development of public service needs arising from the significant number of arrivals from Ukraine. The funding is specifically targeted at projects located in communities, towns and villages that are hosting the beneficiaries of temporary protection or international protection applicants, or both, including towns identified for the rapid-build homes programme. It is set to benefit the entire community in recognition of the support the people have shown to people from Ukraine and other countries who have come into their communities. There must be direct engagement with impacted communities, first and foremost, and local authorities must also consult the municipal districts, the local community development committees, the local community response forums and all the different stakeholders. I know the local community development committees will also be talking to the schools because we believe there is a role for the schools. Deputy Stanton brought up in the House on other occasions how schools, in particular their facilities, could be used after school hours. It may be that we can develop a system or a way in which to use those fine facilities in our schools that we have invested in when they are not being used when the school is closed. Perhaps we can look at the barriers in that regard and overcome them. They should be for everybody to use. They will also engage with the HSE. There will be opportunity for engagement across the different Departments.

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