Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy. This question fits across both of my roles.

This Government recognises and values the many contributions made to society by not-for-profit, voluntary and community organisations in Tipperary and I commend the Deputy's work in this space. The Department of Rural and Community Development supports the community and voluntary sector through a number of schemes, most notably the community services programme, CSP, the social inclusion and community activation programme, SICAP, and the scheme to support volunteering. The CSP supports 428 community based organisations, with a budget of in 2025 of €55.4 million. This provides local services through a social enterprise model. In 2023, the majority of CSP-funded organisations were awarded five-year contracts, which has provided certainty in terms of operations and employment. In addition, and in recognition of the higher costs arising from increases in the statutory minimum wage, the contribution towards employment costs for those organisations with medium or high funding needs has increased. The SICAP, as I previously mentioned, is a national programme delivered in both rural and urban areas by local development companies to help those in the greatest need. It aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality by supporting disadvantaged communities and individuals. My Department has contributed more than €47.4 million in 2024 for SICAP and has committed more than €48.9 million for 2025.

Finally, Ireland’s volunteering structures are recognised as a model of best practice. More than 1 million people volunteer regularly in Ireland and I am committed to supporting them in this work. Funding from my Department to the volunteering sector has increased from €3.1 million in 2020 to €7.3 million in 2025. We are aware that challenges remain, especially in the schemes referred to by the Deputy. I am working in the Department of Social Protection to make changes to those schemes so that we will be able to attract more participants to them and encourage more people to get involved in their local communities through the fantastic work of the community employment scheme, the rural social scheme and Tús.

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