Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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161. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which local voluntary groups such as men's sheds or women's groups may be eligible to apply for assistance to his Department in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19289/18]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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162. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the main headings under which his Department expects to be in a position to offer financial assistance to voluntary groups throughout County Kildare and the country at large; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19290/18]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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165. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the criteria within which groups in the voluntary sector can apply to his Department for assistance in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19293/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 161, 162 and 165 together.

My Department operates a number of funding programmes and schemes that are open to applications from relevant parties, including groups in the voluntary sector, who satisfy the relevant criteria during the application timeframes set for each scheme/programme.

In 2017, capital grants were provided to such groups across the country under both the RAPID programme and Communities Facilities Scheme, for which applications were processed by Local Community Development Committees. These schemes are currently being reviewed, and it is intended to have the 2018 launch in May of this year.

Funding may also be available under my Department's LEADER Programme to support groups in the voluntary sector. Applications for funding can be made directly to the relevant Local Action Groups.

The Seniors Alert Scheme provides personal monitored alarms to enable older people, of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. The Scheme is administered on behalf of my Department by Pobal, with applicants applying via community organisations operating in their local area. Since Pobal took over the administration of the Scheme in September 2015, 15 community organisations have been approved to operate the Scheme in Kildare.

Further information on all funding programmes and schemes is available on my Department's website www.drcd.gov.ie.