Mayo Minister invites applications for poverty awareness funding

Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary T.D. has opened the grant application process for initiatives to promote awareness of the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

The UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty falls annually on October 17 and has held international focus since its formal UN adoption in 1992.

The Department of Social Protection is providing additional funding this year to support anti-poverty groups organising activities to mark the day, in the context of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The funding reflects the Presidency's priorities of competitiveness, security and values.

Minister Calleary said he was pleased to launch the funding at the start of Ireland's EU Presidency term.

He said the Government is committed to reducing poverty and making Ireland one of the most socially inclusive countries in the EU.

The funding, supported in part by the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, will allow groups to deliver local, regional or national projects raising awareness of their work tackling poverty in Ireland.

Minister Calleary said the projects bring people from different backgrounds together in their shared experience to end poverty.

The funding is open to anti-poverty organisations and groups working with people experiencing poverty at national or local level in the Republic of Ireland.

Up to €4,000 is available per project this year, due to extra support from the Irish Presidency for social inclusion measures.

The closing date for applications is Friday, August 14.