Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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341. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she has received new applications for support from rural and community-based groups which might be affected by inflation or cost of living increases; the extent to which she envisages support for such applicants in the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54144/22]

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 is currently being developed by my Department to ensure access to support in a timely manner. Full scheme details, including application timeframes and eligibility criteria will be announced shortly.

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. We 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.