Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
934. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht about future funding of volunteer centres through the New Communities Fund and whether additional funding streams will be used to promote integration. [68530/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht provides funding and other supports to the network of 29 Volunteer Centres across the country, as well as to a number of national volunteer-supporting organisations including Volunteer Ireland.
Since 2022, dedicated funding has been provided by government to the Department for distribution in communities accommodating displaced Ukrainians. The scope for the use of the funding was later expanded in response to increased numbers of new arrivals to Ireland. The funding has been allocated to Volunteer Centres to support their efforts to integrate and assist both new arrivals from Ukraine and elsewhere, and the communities that host them.
Using this funding, volunteers and staff in Volunteer Centres have been working to help displaced Ukrainians, International Protection Applicants and other new arrivals by providing information, support and assistance, and helping people to settle and integrate into their local communities.
Volunteer Centres have provided a range of community integration initiatives, such as information and outreach services, recruiting volunteers for translation/interpretation, assisting in local rest/accommodation centres, and volunteer drivers to provide transport services (particularly in rural or isolated areas). Volunteer Centres have also worked to encourage new arrivals to volunteer themselves, as a way of integrating into their new communities.
The Deputy can be reassured that the Department is committed to supporting communities, including supporting volunteering in our communities. Funding for Volunteer Centres, as well as for national volunteer-supporting organisations and the wider community and voluntary sector, in 2027 will be considered as part of the Government’s usual Budgetary processes.
