Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 October 2024
88. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the efforts her Department is making in dealing with rural isolation and loneliness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40593/24]
View answer334. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department can further enhance the extent to which people living in isolation in either urban or rural communities can be support by various means such as electronic devices to assist them in the event of attack with particular reference to the possible extension of the existing alarm system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40892/24]
View answer335. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department have assisted with addressing the issue of isolation throughout the country in the past four years, both rural and urban dwellers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40893/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 334 and 335 together.
Groups and projects supported by my Department deliver on a range of objectives. Some groups and projects work to address societal issues such as isolation and deprivation, while others aim to enhance local communities and livelihoods through investment in spaces and community development activities.
Organisations like Men’s Sheds and women’s groups are vital in addressing isolation for many people. Late last year I was pleased to announce €1 million in funding to Men’s Sheds. Under the initiative, grants of up to €3,000 have been provided to 435 Men’s Sheds across the country.
In June, I announced funding for almost 500 women’s groups nationwide. The funding is being delivered as part of the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2024. The LEP allocated €6 million in capital supports for community groups and organisations across every county in Ireland, with funding of €1 million being ring-fenced for women’s groups.
I believe that community centres are the cornerstone of communities all over Ireland and provide people, young and old, with a place to meet, learn, play and participate with the community as a whole. Earlier this year I announced a further €20 million in funding to support our community groups to upgrade and refurbish the community facilities in their areas. This allocation brings the total amount of funding announced to support the development of community centres, under the Community Centre Investment Fund, to over €95 million since 2022.
In relation to isolation and marginalisation, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme addresses high and persistent levels of deprivation through targeted and innovative, locally-led approaches in communities. Also my Department's Community Services Programme aims to address community needs, isolation and social exclusion by providing services through a social enterprise model. I am pleased to have secured combined funding of over €110 million for the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) and the Community Services Programme in 2025.
While my Department does not provide funding for house alarm systems, the Seniors Alert Scheme provides significant peace of mind for many vulnerable older people in our communities, reducing feelings of isolation. It provides funding for a personal monitored alarm, connected to a contact centre to enable older persons of 65 or older and of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence and independence. I have ensured that this scheme is funded to allow applications on an ongoing basis, from both rural and urban dwellers, and details on how to apply are available at www.pobal.ie/programmes/seniors-alert-scheme-sas/.
I will continue to engage with rural communities to identify issues impacting on them and respond to emerging needs, including with regard to helping address rural isolation and loneliness. I am confident that the funding supports and policies provided by my Department will continue to deliver tangible benefits for our communities.
Details of all of the supports available from my Department can be found at www.gov.ie/drcd.
