Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

171. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when an organisation (details supplied) will be provided funding as promised in January 2021 to increase core funding to environmental NGOs in Ireland; the reason for the delay to date; if there are further plans to increase funding to NGOs to enable same monitor climate change and biodiversity loss in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21677/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am very aware of the important work done by the member organisations of the Irish Environmental Network (IEN).  These national environmental NGOs are active on a broad range of environmental issues, including wildlife conservation, biodiversity and climate change.

I recognise that, in addition to the climate and biodiversity challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to communities and society.  IEN members have had to adapt quickly in response to the changing landscape, developing new skills and tools to shift activities online.

The recently approved funding of €1.764m for the IEN and its constituent members in 2021 will help offset  increased operating and administration costs of member activities. This is an increase of over 65% on the level of funding provided in 2020 and represents a very strong demonstration of my support for the work of the environmental NGO's in Ireland.

To date, all funding of the IEN has been supported through the Environment Fund and is granted subject to the recipients complying with the provisions of Department of Finance Circular 13 of 2014, “Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds”.  My Department is currently processing this request in accordance with this circular and an initial instalment will issue to the IEN over the coming days.