Ministers Calleary and Buttimer announce over €1.6 million funding for St. Vincent de Paul and Protestant Aid
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From: Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
- Published on: 3 September 2025
- Last updated on: 3 September 2025
- Funding to provide essential supports; food, education, hardship and household supports to some of the most vulnerable people in society.
- Long standing funding support to both St. Vincent de Paul and Protestant Aid to ensure continuation of the valuable supports they provide.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaetacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State, Jerry Buttimer TD, have today (03 September 2025) announced over €1.6 million in funding to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) and Protestant Aid.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is to receive funding of €1.41 million, while Protestant Aid will receive €250,000,
Minister Calleary said:
“I am delighted to announce my department’s continued support for both St. Vincent de Paul and Protestant Aid.
“For St Vincent de Paul (SVP), this funding will go some way to ensuring the continuation of their services supporting individuals and families living in poverty across Ireland.
“For Protestant Aid, I have every confidence the increase of €70,000 in funding will allow them to expand and enhance the already excellent services they provide.
“In providing this funding, the Government ensures that SVP and Protestant Aid can continue to provide vital essentials such as food support, household and education assistance, energy and fuel supports to those most in need.
“In my view, it is a testament to the quality work of both SVP and Protestant Aid that this funding arrangement has continued and expanded over the years and speaks to the government’s recognition of the importance of these services in tackling poverty and deprivation across the country. There are many people and families under pressure and in need of the types of comprehensive supports SVP and Protestant Aid are resourced to provide, and this funding reflects the government’s commitment to creating a poverty-free Ireland for all.”
Minister Buttimer added:
“St Vincent de Paul and Protestant Aid are working on the frontline in the fight against poverty and deprivation and see first-hand the real challenges and lived experiences of the people and families experiencing hardship.
“The insights of these organisations are invaluable to informing policy and ensuring the root causes of poverty, deprivation and exclusion are effectively addressed.
“I am delighted for my department’s strong working relationship with both Protestant Aid and SVP to continue as we work towards that shared aim of eliminating poverty and exclusion in Ireland.”
Rose McGowan, National President of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, said:
“The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s use of the Grant from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht gives testament for the importance of collaboration between Government and the Society to meet the most immediate needs facing households.
“This collaboration recognises that on occasion the volunteers of the SVP are best equipped to meet local needs. It is the volunteers of the Society who ensure these funds get to those who need them most, and this grant enables our volunteers to give the practical financial response to the person in need. That is often what is most pressing. However, that is not the sole function of this funding.
“The relationships that derive after the assistance is given are the lasting measurement of the impact of this funding. These relationships are based on the Society’s mission of friendship and support, promoting self-sufficiency, and working for social justice.
“Last year we received almost 250,000 calls for help and we would like to reiterate the Society’s respect and thanks to those people who have sought our support. The Government grant has enabled us to help them in their time of need, but it is they who had the courage to seek our help and are the people who are helping their households the most.
“Our volunteers speak of the fortitude, resilience and hopes of the people the Society is privileged to assist, and how they are inspired by them.”
Also welcoming the funding, David Webb, the CEO of Protestant Aid, said:
“We extend our sincere thanks to the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, through the Social Inclusion and Communities Fund, for its support in 2025. Every cent of this funding goes directly to individuals and families facing financial hardship — a lifeline in times of growing need.
“The Department’s steadfast partnership over the years has enabled us to provide vital source of hope for thousands of households navigating economic uncertainty.
“As the pressures of rising food and energy costs persist into 2025, the demand for assistance continues to climb. In just the first half of this year, General Grant Applications rose by 6% compared to the same period in 2024 — which was itself a record year.
“This support could not be more timely - it will translate into real and immediate relief for people struggling with the basic costs of daily living — a tangible difference where it matters most.”
Notes
- The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) has been in Ireland for 180 years and works with a diverse range of people who experience poverty and exclusion.
- It is the largest voluntary charitable organisation in the country. The Society operates in a non-judgmental and on the basis that the only criteria for help is neede.
- It has over 10,000 members and volunteers operating through 1,200 local Conferences throughout the country, and it is involved in a diverse range of activities characterised by: Support and friendship, Promoting self-sufficiency and Working for Social Justice.
- Protestant Aid was established as a charity over 180 years ago to relieve deprivation in Ireland. Protestant Aid treats all genuine calls for help equally, regardless of religious, ethnic or social backgrounds.