Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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384. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the purpose and benefits of the new EU capacity building programme, Access Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4132/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of the EU Capacity Building Programme is to assist Irish civil society organisations, including NGOs, community groups, and local authorities, to better access European Union funds. This will be done by publicising EU funding opportunities through social media and website channels, and by providing a direct support service through targeted training and information events. This will particularly benefit smaller organisations.

The programme was launched last November by The Wheel, the organisation selected as the National Contact Point following a public tender. I am glad to see that activities under the programme are now taking place.

This new programme is very timely. It coincides with the introduction of the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027, which will release various funding streams for civil society groups over the coming years. It is important that Irish organisations are aware of, and prepared for, these opportunities. Indeed, the Programme for Government includes a number of commitments around increasing EU funding to Ireland, as well as making Irish civil society more aware of these opportunities.

Further information can be found on the programme’s dedicated website: www.accesseurope.ie.