Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

785. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will investigate the way a separate payment of 1% of Local and community development programme funding is now lower in 2015 than the same funding source in 2014, in respect of a centre (details supplied) in County Sligo; if there are measures being implemented by his Department to address this shortfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14303/15]

Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department supports the community and voluntary sector in its contribution to an active, democratic and pluralist society. There is a particular focus on supporting communities that are vulnerable, disadvantaged or under threat , through a suite of schemes.

In relation to the matter referred to in the Question , my Department’s policy and strategy is to promote active citizenship and volunteering. In this regard my Department funds a network of twenty one Volunteer Centres, which support volunteering and which provide advice to potential volunteers and also to organisations seeking volunteers. They also work with organisations to develop their volunteer management capacity and facilitate Garda vetting requirements of small voluntary organisations.

Until 2014, 1% of Local Community Development Programme (LCDP) funding was ring-fenced for voluntary activities and administered by my Department in conjunction with Pobal. In 2014, this amount came to some €320,000 cumulatively across all counties. From 2015 forward, this source of funding has been incorporated into the overall Volunteer Centre budget. Funding has been maintained at 2014 levels for each Volunteer Centre, and each Centre also received an indicative amount of ‘LCDP’ funding which has since, in some cases such as this, been revised to take account of the full allocation provided under the programme in 2014.

I am advised that the Centre referred to in the Question has been advised of its revised allocation for 2015 and has now submitted all the necessary documentation to my Department to enable payment.

My Department continues to review its policy on volunteer centres and other community programmes, having regard to the need for a sustainable, nationwide approach to supporting volunteering and active citizenship and will amend its schemes and strategies, where required, to meet the changing needs of our communities.