492. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the public funding that has been provided since 2020 to programmes aimed at increasing participation by underrepresented groups in political and public life, including women, minority ethnic groups, disabled people and young people, broken down by programme and annual expenditure. [49409/26]

My Department supports a number of initiatives in relation to increasing gender balance and diversity in local government decision making and structures. These initiatives and the funding allocated are as follows:

Funding to Political Parties

Since 2019 my Department has made grant funding available to political parties for specific projects aimed at increasing the participation of women and people from diverse backgrounds in their parties generally. The objective is to have a positive impact on the overall number of these cohorts running for local elections and participating in local government structures and decision-making.

Funding to Local Level Women’s Caucuses

On foot of research conducted by the National Women’s Council of Ireland (funded by the Department in 2021) regarding female caucuses in local government structures, funding was provided for local authorities to assist with the establishment and running of such caucuses. In 2021 funding of €57,000 was approved to help to facilitate 15 local level / regional caucuses.

Funding to Local Authorities to improve gender balance and diversity

My Department has issued annual calls for funding since 2019 requesting local authorities to consider appropriate proposals for projects that help to increase gender balance and diversity in local government decision making and structures. In 2022, 2023 and 2024 allocations under this funding stream have included funding to the Regional Women’s Caucus.

Hybrid Meetings to support participation

In June 2023, my Department launched a pilot scheme supporting the installation of hardware, specifically cameras and audio equipment, in council chambers where infrastructure is inadequate for the running of hybrid meetings. The intention is to facilitate allow remote attendance at council meetings, to support councillors with family or caring responsibilities. There have been three rounds of funding to date under which €647,700 has been allocated to 12 local authorities and one regional assembly. My Department recently issued a Call for Funding for a fourth round of funding. Applications are currently being assessed and allocations under this round will be made in the coming weeks.

Funding to Stakeholder Groups

Under this funding stream, support is provided to civil society groups such as Women for Election and See Her Elected, who undertake vital training and capacity building work among potential candidates, as well as carrying out important research which helps to inform Departmental policy.

Funding has been provided to the Immigrant Council of Ireland, most recently in 2023 for the purpose of supporting initiatives aimed at increasing the representation of people of diversity in the 2024 local elections.

Funding has also been was awarded to the National Women’s Council of Ireland to support research into women’s experiences as elected representatives, and the factors influencing their decision to run (or not run) for election again.

Tables - Funding allocated