Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

634. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when she expects to open the energy support scheme for the charity sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56353/22]

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 allocated €10m to my Department to put in place a support scheme for community and voluntary organisations and charities. I am pleased to advise that applications for the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS) will open on 21st November.

The scheme will be administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development, and will provide once-off support to organisations within the Community and Voluntary sector which fall outside the parameters of other energy support schemes being delivered by Government. Further scheme details are available on the Pobal website now and I would encourage intending applicants to check the scheme details over the coming days and familiarise themselves with the process so that they are ready when the scheme opens for applications.

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.