John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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851. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans to provide funding to an organisation (details supplied) to establish a full volunteer centre for County Kilkenny in line with its proposals outlined in the successful application; the funding process and timeframe for delivery by the organisation of the volunteer centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23808/19]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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My Department's community and voluntary supports and programmes unit provides a cohesive framework of support for the community and voluntary sector. €3.5 million is being provided in 2019 under this programme to support 21 Volunteer Centres, eight Volunteering Information Services in areas not served by a full Volunteer Centres and a number of volunteer-supporting organisations.

The Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan 2018 included the provision of €1.2 million to upgrade the eight Volunteering Information Services, including Kilkenny Volunteering Information Service, to full Volunteer Centres in order to provide a consistent level of volunteering service nationwide. My Department has been reviewing the options associated with the roll out of this initiative, including ongoing funding supports and the structure under which the new Volunteer Centres might be established.  My Department will engage with the eight Volunteering Information Services shortly following due consideration of all the issues.