Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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2059. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the financial supports available to community-based organisations that have been found to not be eligible for the Covid-19 stability fund for community and voluntary, charity and social enterprises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14924/21]

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 challenges, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach. Along with other broader Government initiatives, my Department has introduced a suite of programmes to support community and voluntary organisations weather the impact of COVID-19.

In 2020, a €50 million support package for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Charities and Social Enterprises was launched by Government and administered by my Department. This funding was made available from the Dormant Accounts Fund and consisted of the COVID-19 Stability Fund and the Innovate Together Fund. 

An additional €10M has been allocated to the Stability Fund as part of the COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 plan, announced by the Taoiseach on Tuesday 23rd February 2021.  Further details on how relevant organisations can apply for this funding will be available shortly.

In December last, my Department launched a €1.7m COVID-19 Emergency Fund, which community and voluntary groups could apply for through their local authorities. This follows on from a previous €2.5m round of this fund which was focussed on groups participating in the Government’s “Community Call” initiative. Successful organisations will be announced shortly.

The Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) provides funding for capital grants towards enhancing facilities available to communities. The funding is allocated to local authorities and administered by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). Further details on the 2021 scheme will be announced in Q2 2021.

My Department currently supports 420 community organisations under the Community Services Programme (CSP) to provide local services through a social enterprise model.  In response to the difficulties faced by organisations due to COVID-19, my Department developed a €4.75M Support Fund which assists all CSP supported organisations to continue to retain their CSP supported employees on their payroll and also provides assistance for the Employers PRSI contribution during this crisis period and until April 2021.  My Department and Pobal, who administer the programme on behalf of my Department, are continuing to monitor the situation closely in light of the current COVID-19 restrictions and the ongoing costs being incurred by organisations.

In respect of the Department’s other programmes, funding commitments are being maintained, and though delays may be experienced in delivery in some cases it is expected that all projects and initiatives will continue when it is safe to do so.

I would encourage organisations to continue to engage with their Local Authorities and Local Development Companies so that they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.