Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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155. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the timelines for any potential funding stream in 2022 for community centres and community facilities; and if he will report on the potential to create a specific LGBT+ community resource centre fund in recognition of the need for infrastructure investment for the LGBT+ community nationwide and to build on the positive impact of the LGBT+ project funding in 2021. [15500/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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In line with the commitments in the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy, my Department continues work on the mapping of LGBTI+ community services. In November 2021, 42 projects around the country received funding to a total amount of €1.5 million under the 2021 LGBTI+ Communities Services Fund.

The fund comprises two schemes – one dealing with community services, and the other with visibility and inclusion. The applications received were of a high standard and the application process was very competitive.

This fund provides for initiatives that will promote inclusion, protect rights and improve quality of life and wellbeing for members of the LGBTI+ community, enabling them to participate fully in Ireland's social, economic, cultural, and political life. We are seeking to achieve tangible outcomes that will transform the lives of LGBTI+ people across Ireland. The Community Services Fund is designed specifically with these aims in mind.

The LGBTI+ Community Services Fund for 2022 will be announced in the coming months and will have a focus on services and initiatives that work to promote the inclusion and visibility of the LGBTI+ community.