Mark Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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102. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if CLÁR funding is available from Budget 2026 to be allocated to meals-on-wheels providers outside of designated areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55410/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The main source of funding for Meals on Wheels providers is through the HSE and I would encourage any meals on wheels provider to engage with the HSE locally to explore potential funding options.

My Department also recognises the importance of Meals on Wheels in rural areas and has provided supports to Meals on Wheels groups through measure 2 of the CLÁR programme.

In order to be eligible for funding for a vehicle under CLÁR, an applicant must demonstrate that over 80% of the area in which the service is provided is designated as a CLÁR area.

The Programme for Government makes a commitment to carry out a comprehensive review of the eligibility criteria of CLÁR. The contents of the review are currently being considered. It is my intention that any changes to flow from the review, including in terms of the areas to be designated for CLÁR, will be implemented before the next iteration of the scheme is launched next year.

In addition to CLÁR, a range of community focused facilities are funded under schemes administered by my Department. This includes the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Community Centre Investment Fund, the Local Enhancement Programme and LEADER. I am aware that these facilities can, in many instances, be used by Meals on Wheels groups in delivering their very valuable services in the communities.