Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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825. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the financial supports in place for small community groups dependent on fundraising activities that can no longer do so due to Covid-19 guidelines to aid with utility bills, including Irish Water; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40367/20]

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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Community groups and organisations are funded from a range of different sources across different Government Departments and agencies.

For example, my Department introduced a package of supports for Community and Voluntary Organisations, Charities and Social Enterprises in the context of COVID-19, which included a Stability Fundof up to €35m. To date, funding of just under €31m has been allocated to 590 organisations delivering critical front line services to those most at need in their communities. Community facilities that meet the eligibility criteria are receiving support under this fund. I expect to make an announcement shortly regarding the distribution of the additional €10m allocated to the Stability Fund as part of the budgetary process.

My Department will continue to work with relevant stakeholders, including the Community and Voluntary sector, Local Authorities and Local Development Companies, to support community organisations across the country as they deal with the ongoing and emerging challenges presented by COVID-19.

I would encourage all groups to engage with their Local Authority and Local Development Company so that they are aware of other funding opportunities as they become available.