Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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291. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department will engage with a person (details supplied) to explore opportunities for grant aid and support in the development of her initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43747/24]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Government is committed to supporting the full inclusion, participation and empowerment of adults, young people and children with disabilities in our communities. It is for this reason that a Disability Participation and Awareness Fund (DPAF) was launched in 2021, with the aim of supporting the participation of people with disabilities in local activities, to help remove barriers to community involvement and to support the promotion and implementation of the UNCRPD in communities. Since its launch, the funding DPAF provides has directly supported dozens of projects that help people with disabilities to participate and engage more fully in their local communities. €3.5m was allocated to the Fund this year.

The Fund is operated on behalf of the Department by Rethink Ireland, and the latest call for applications opened on 30th September, with a closing date of 8th November. The Fund is open to applications from not-for profit organisations for projects which meet a number of eligibility criteria. Further information, and support in making an application, can be found on Rethink Ireland's website: www.rethinkireland.ie.