Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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169. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if financial assistance is available from her Department in respect of a community initiative (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [10127/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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My understanding from the details provided by the Deputy is what is being sought are the costs associated with the setting up of a food bank. Unfortunately, the Department does not operate any scheme which would be able to provide funding of this nature.

The Department supports community initiatives through community work placement programmes such as community employment, Tús and the rural social scheme. These programmes are delivery locally through sponsor organisations or local development companies. The Deputy should note that the additional resources provided through these programmes are mainly geared towards the provision of materials and to cover input and operating costs associated with work placements and training.