Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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159. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the discussions he has had with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to the importance of ensuring that mountain rescue teams are properly funded, in view of the work of Comhairle na Tuaithe and the growth in hill walking and mountain climbing in Ireland and their importance to the tourist industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15905/14]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I have not had discussions with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to the funding of mountain rescue teams. It is important that those partaking in activities in upland areas should be a ware of the rugged terrain and possible changes in weather conditions that may pertain in such areas. My Department and Comhairle na Tuaithe fully endorse the principles of Leave No Trace which is an Outdoor Ethics Education Programme designed to promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. My Department continue to be a main funder of Leave No Trace. One of the principles of Leave No Trace is to plan ahead and prepare as anyone entering upland areas for recreational purposes should be aware of the risks involved and take all the necessary precautions to minimise such risks.

In 2007 a Funding Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector was developed. This Scheme amalgamated and replaced previous Schemes operated under the White Paper on Supporting Voluntary Activity. Applications under this new Scheme were invited from community and voluntary organisations that operate at a national level with evidence of a nationwide membership. This Scheme ceased at the end of 2010 and a new three year funding Scheme commenced in July 2011. This Scheme will cease in June 2014, with a new Scheme commencing from 1 July this year. Applications for this Scheme were received during February 2014, and the assessment process is currently on-going.

Funding under the Scheme provides for core operating costs, comprising staffing, administration and on-going running costs, and priority has been given to organisations providing key services to the disadvantaged. Mountain Rescue Ireland successfully applied for funding under both the 2007 and 2011 Schemes. The funding amounts provided in each of the past five years are contained in the table below.