Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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343. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which her Department has assisted with addressing the issue of isolation throughout the country in the past two years with particular reference to the need to address the concerns now affecting rural dwellers or urban dwellers either of whom may be vulnerable to isolation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8989/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Addressing the issue of rural isolation cuts across Government Departments, with ongoing actions being progressed including those aimed at enhancing community policing, rural transport links and tackling social inclusion.

A vital part of my Department’s mission is to support the creation of vibrant and sustainable communities across this country. Addressing the issue of individual isolation in communities has become more important than ever before due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In delivering on its mission my Department delivers a wide range of strategic interventions, funding programmes and policies to support urban and rural communities, including helping to address the issue of isolation in communities.

Key interventions include funding the Seniors Alert Scheme, which enables older people to live securely, with peace of mind, in their homes through the provision of personal monitored alarms, ensuring contact is maintained with those who are vulnerable.

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is Ireland’s primary social inclusion funding intervention, delivered locally by Local Development Companies (LDCs) to help those in the greatest need access supports to enable participation in communities. 

The National Social Enterprise Policy aims to enable social enterprises increase their social, environmental and economic impact. Many social enterprises are based in rural or isolated areas and provide services to communities that may not otherwise be available.

My Department is responsible for a number of national policies containing measures to improve the lives of people throughout the country including Our Rural Future, which seeks to strengthen and build resilience in our rural communities and deliver a range of policy measures in order to achieve these objectives.

The issue of isolation is one which concerns us all and I am committed to continuing my Department’s response to this issue through continued delivery of relevant programmes and policies.