Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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The Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and is committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach.

The Community and Voluntary Sector Covid-19 Stability Fund was intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups currently delivering critical front-line services to the most at need in our society and in danger of imminent closure due to lost fund-raised or traded income as a direct result of restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19. The criteria of the scheme stated that any grants awarded would be dependent on the need identified and organisations approved for funding were prioritised on that basis.

Regrettably some organisations were unsuccessful in their application for various reasons and were offered an opportunity to appeal the decision. As advised in Parliamentary Question No. 1481 of 8 September 2020, I can confirm that my Department officials are currently engaging with the organisation in question, and have requested additional information. Their case will be examined in full as soon as the requested information is received and a decision will be made soon thereafter.