Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 April 2026
3490. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will consider introducing a pilot scheme for community development volunteers similar to the basic income for the arts pilot scheme. [24614/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very aware of the important role community workers and volunteers play in the delivery of programmes that are funded through my department, many of which are based in very disadvantaged areas and provide vital services to communities.
The Programme for Government 2025 Securing Ireland’s Future commits the Government to develop a new National Volunteering Strategy and to promote volunteerism, however there are currently no plans under consideration by my department to introduce a pilot basic income scheme for the community and voluntary sector.
My officials have been engaging with the community development sector throughout the consultation process for a new strategy to support the community and voluntary sector and will consider all feedback received. I want to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to supporting the sector, whilst also recognising the reality of finite resources and the need to ensure that available resources are focused on providing effective services.
Finally, I would encourage any community groups or individual volunteers to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), and to visit my department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd, to ensure they are aware of any funding opportunities as they become available.
