Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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802. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the support packages announced for the private sector in Budget 2023 will also be extended to the charity sector, including the temporary business energy support scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50184/22]

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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The Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and the charities sector in meeting the high cost of energy currently and is committed to supporting the sector in meeting these costs.

Not-for-profit and voluntary organisations in the Community and Voluntary sector are woven into the fabric of community life across Ireland, but they are vulnerable to the impact of increased energy costs.

The recent budget made €10m available to put in place a support scheme for community and voluntary organisations and the charities sector. The framework for delivering this assistance will be developed by my department within the next few weeks to ensure access to support in a timely manner.

My Department will continue to work with relevant stakeholders, including the community and voluntary sector, charities, local authorities and local development companies, to support community organisations across the country as they deal with the ongoing and emerging challenges. I would encourage all groups to engage with Gov.ie, their Local Authority and Local Development Company so that they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.