Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
933. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the criteria for public funding allocation to non-governmental organisations, particularly those involved in political lobbying or activism; the measures in place to ensure that taxpayers' money is not being used to support partisan political agendas; his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47607/26]
View answerIt should be noted that public funding to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is provided by numerous Government Departments and agencies for a multitude of purposes. Each of these funding schemes and arrangements have specific eligibility criteria and requirements regarding outputs, reporting and audit. The management and monitoring of these schemes and arrangements necessarily falls to each Department and agency.
With regard to funding provided by my own Department to non-governmental organisations, my Department operates a wide range of funding schemes to which community and voluntary groups, charities, social enterprises and other such organisations can make applications. All grants issued by my Department have specific terms and conditions associated with the grant funding. While the terms and conditions can vary across schemes, mainly taking account of the level of funding the scheme provides, they are based on the requirements of DPENDR circular 13/2014 which provides guidance for the management and accountability of grants. This guidance note is available at:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-ndp-delivery-and-reform/circulars/circular-132014-management-of-and-accountability-for-grants-from-exchequer-funds/
