Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2023
295. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide the amount provided for in Communities Integration Fund in 2023; the way in which this fund can be accessed; if the fund provides for the provision of spaces that is, use of locations for education and English language lessons for persons seeking international protection. [5969/23]
View answerThe Communities integration Fund 2023 will be launched in the coming weeks.
A total of €500,000 is available to local community based organisations to carry out integration projects in their local area. Organisations eligible to apply include local community groups, sports clubs, faith-based groups, arts groups, cultural organisations, and schools. Applicant organisations must operate on a not-for-profit basis.
The call for submissions will be open for over four weeks. During this time applications can be made through the EU Survey website. A link to the application form will be published, along with a guidance note for applicants, when the call is launched.
The funding can be used for both once-off initiatives and short to medium term projects. Projects should take an inclusive approach, aiming to bring migrants and host communities together.
The maximum amount that may be granted to projects under CIF 2023 is €5,000.
It is likely that the CIF 2023 will contain a number of themes, one of which is likely to be English-language supports.
The funding can be used for the provision of spaces and English language lessons for persons seeking International Protection.
Since its inception in 2017, the Communities Integration Fund has supported over 710 projects with grant funding totalling €3.32m.
