22. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth how LGBTQI+ funding streams provided by his Department go towards organisations working with and initiatives for the benefit of LGBTQI+ people living in rural areas, and LGBTQI+ older persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43345/24]

In line with the commitments in the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy, my Department continues to support LGBTI+ organisations and initiatives through the annual LGBTI+ Community Services Fund Call. The call provides for initiatives that will promote inclusion, protect rights and improve quality of life and well-being for members of the LGBTI+ community, both local and regional, enabling them to participate fully in Ireland's social, economic, cultural and political life.

Since its establishment in 2020, a total of 123 LGBTI+ projects have been allocated €4,457,323 in funding. Of this, 72% of the projects have had a geographical scope outside of the Dublin region. To illustrate a few examples, GOSHH Ireland’s rainbow development project has done a huge amount of work in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary. Outcomers has worked on visibility and support groups in the northeast; Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan and Youth Work Ireland Cork has established pop up rural support groups.

This funding call is very much in keeping with the aims and objectives of the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy. My Department is committed to providing support and funding to a wide and diverse range of LGBTI+ organisations in their delivery of targeted programmes and services throughout Ireland, ensuring they are accessible to all LGBTI+ persons, irrespective of their age or where they live.

Details of successful projects are published on my Departments website every year. I anticipate announcing the successful projects to be funded under the 2024 LGBTI+ Community Services Fund shortly.