Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Under Budget 2023, I secured a small increase in funding for non-early learning and childcare Community and Voluntary Organisations funded by my Department, including youth services and clubs, Tusla funded services, Traveller and Roma organisations and the National Women’s Council of Ireland. Part of this increase in allocation will be used to offset increases in costs.

In addition, a range of whole of economy supports have been put in place by Government to support organisations, including Community and Voluntary Organisations, with increased operating costs arising from higher energy costs. These include:

Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS)

The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) is a targeted support aimed at helping business over the winter period with the significant increase in their electricity and natural gas costs. Section 88 of the Finance Bill 2022 makes provision for the scheme, which will be administered by the Revenue Commissioners. It is a support available for businesses that carry on a trade or profession chargeable to tax under Case I or II of Schedule D, including self-employed individuals, companies, and partnerships. Charities and sporting bodies who carry on certain activities, which would be chargeable to tax under Case I or II of Schedule D but for an available exemption, are also included in the scheme.

Sports Energy Support Scheme (SESS)

Sport Ireland will administer the Sports Energy Support Scheme (SESS) on behalf of the Government. It will be open to all recognised sporting National Governing Bodies or organisations that have an existing funding relationship with Sport Ireland, along with their affiliated clubs and networks. Unaffiliated sports clubs may apply for supports towards higher energy costs via their Local Sports Partnership.

Arts and Culture Energy Scheme

The Arts Council will administer an energy support scheme in support of arts organisations that are in receipt of Strategic Funding, Arts Grant funding or Arts Centre funding from the Arts Council in 2022.

Community Support Fund

The Department of Rural and Community Development will make funding available through local authorities is to be disbursed to community and voluntary organisations to assist with their energy costs. Organisations that are not incorporated (as Companies Limited by Guarantee or as Co-operatives) or that are not registered charities may apply for support towards energy or other running costs to their local authority.

Section 38 and 39 (Health) Organisations

The Department of Health through the HSE (Health Service Executive) will provide funding to organisations supported under Section 38 and 39 of the Health Act (2004) towards their additional energy costs, as well as not for profit nursing homes.

Organisations in Gaeltacht Areas and language bodies

The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media (D/TCAGSM) will provide energy support funding to organisations in Gaeltacht areas and language organisations that have an existing funding relationship with D/TCAGSM, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Foras na Gaeilge or Ulster-Scots Agency.

Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS)

The Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS) provides for a once-off payment to eligible charities and community and voluntary sector organisations towards their energy costs.