1528. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the total funding provided to date under the New Communities Funding for Volunteer Centres broken down by year and county. [65776/26]

1529. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his views on the merits of creating a multiannual fund for the volunteer sector under the New Communities Funding for Volunteer Centres. [65775/26]

1530. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the position regarding any engagement he has had with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to their asks to continue funding under the New Communities Funding for Volunteer Centres. [65774/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1528, 1529 and 1530 together.

The 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.

A breakdown by county of the dedicated funding provided to volunteer centres for new arrivals is set out below.

I can confirm that a submission regarding this funding was very recently received from Volunteer Ireland and is under consideration in my Department. The Deputy can be reassured that my Department is committed to supporting communities, including supporting volunteering in our communities.