Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
1282. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the funding schemes available to cover staffing costs for community organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10368/26]
View answerMy Department provides financial support towards the staffing costs of community organisations under a number of different programmes and schemes. The Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports 445 services nationally via 426 community organisations through a social enterprise model focusing on urban and rural communities where public and private sector services are lacking, either through geographical or social isolation or because of demand deficits. The CSP Programme provides an annual co-funding contribution towards each manager and/or full-time equivalent (FTE) position being supported. The CSP contribution is not aligned to the minimum wage and is not intended to meet the full salary cost of supported posts. Each organisation, as an employer, is required to generate income to fully meet wage costs and cover all other operating costs involved in running the organisation. This approach is central to operating on a social enterprise model and is a key feature of the CSP Programme. The CSP Programme currently provides funding towards 1,720 Full-Time Equivalents and 351 manager positions with a budget of €59.4 million for 2026. On 17 December last, Minister Buttimer and I announced our intention to hold an open call for new organisations to join the CSP Programme in early 2026, in line with a Programme for Government commitment. The design of this open call is underway and details, including eligible community services and organisations, will be announced in due course. The Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national, community and voluntary organisations delivering services and supports with a focus on one or more of the following: addressing poverty, social exclusion and promoting equality. The SSNO provides part funding for salary costs of a core member(s) of staff in the national organisation and non-salary costs that are directly attributable to the SSNO-funded post. The current iteration of the SSNO commenced on 1 July 2022, initially for period of 3 years. This has been extended to conclude at the end of June 2026. Under the current iteration, approximately €28 million will be provided to 82 national, community and voluntary organisations over the period of the scheme. Following a recent call for applications for the period 2026-2029, I can advise that the closing date for applications was in December last, with appraisals ongoing. It is anticipated the new iteration of the scheme will commence on 1 July 2026. The ‘Clár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga’ provides capital and current funding to support community organisations and committees throughout the Gaeltacht that work for the benefit of the Irish language and Gaeltacht communities. Specific current funding is provided under various long running schemes such as ‘Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga’, ‘Scéim na gCampaí Samhraidh’ and ‘Clár na gCluichí Gaelacha’ to support the running costs of these schemes including staffing costs. Funding is also provided on a more general basis under this programme to assist Gaeltacht and Irish language organisations in implementing agreed work programmes with the department of which staffing costs may be a factor. This is not a specific scheme and is assessed on a case by case basis. Among the community based projects that have received funding are groups like Muintearas, Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, and the Connacht, Ulster and Munster GAA Councils. The “Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge” scheme, partially funded by the National Lottery, is available to organisations and groups to nurture and promote the Irish language outside the Gaeltacht. Funding is provided for projects that are strategically important in supporting the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language, the Official Languages Act, the Digital Plan for the Irish Language, the Language-Based Arts Strategy, and in relation to the status of Irish as an official and working language in the European Union. Among the community-based projects that have received funding, funding is provided to groups like Gaillimh le Gaeilge, Gnó Mhaigh Eo, Cill Dara le Gaeilge and Fighting Words. The funding recognises the important work these groups undertake and is primarily used to cover staffing costs. Finally, my Department’s Islands Unit provides support for the community development structures on the non-Gaeltacht islands through Comhar na nOileáin, which includes support for employing development officers. Information on all schemes operated by my Department is available at www.gov.ie/drcdg
