From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
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Minister for Planning and Local Government Peter Burke has announced funding of €215,594 to seven political parties and two independent groups to encourage an increase in the number of women candidates and people of diversity running in the next Local Elections.
As part of a range of measures brought forward by the Minister in recent months aimed at increasing the participation of women and people of diversity at local government level, a significantly increased allocation has been approved this year for political parties and independent groups to fund initiatives in the lead up to the 2024 elections:
“I have spent much of my tenure as Minister for Local Government working to address the gender imbalance present within our council chambers. My department and I have been working in a targeted manner to make local government in Ireland more reflective of the diverse communities it serves. In support of this goal, I have approved significant funding to local authorities themselves, as well as to interest groups working in the area. Political parties and independent groups have proven to be a key partner for us in this work, with research showing that these structures are crucial to getting more women on the ballot paper.
“For this scheme in 2021, I set out more prescriptive guidelines and linked funding to targeted measures and tangible outcomes. This year we were eager to build on that success. I was pleased to see that proposals received from the parties clearly set out a strategic timeline over the next two years to support and prepare female and diverse candidates for the 2024 elections.”
A variety of initiatives were selected for funding, including the appointment of women’s and equality officers within parties, the running of a number of women’s conferences, as well as training and capacity building for candidates and party members along with recruitment drives. Applications were received from Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, The Green Party, Sinn Féin, The Labour Party, The Social Democrats, People Before Profit/Solidarity, The Reform Alliance and the Independent Women Councillors and Oireachtas Members Group.
Minister Burke has also recently received approval for the introduction of maternity-related leave and supports for Councillors. Legislation to provide this is currently making its way through the Dáil, with the goal of having it enacted before Christmas.
To conclude, the Minister said:
“I am delighted to say that following a review of the proposals received, all groups were successful in their applications for partial or full funding allocations. Political parties and independent groups play an important role in striving for equality in local government, and through continued collaboration, I believe we can effect real change in our council chambers.”
| Party/Group | Funding Approved 2022 | Funding Received 2021 |
| Fine Gael | €37,954 | €36,015 |
| Fianna Fáil | €34,380 | €30,380 |
| Green Party | €35,000 | €28,000 |
| Sinn Fein | €20,000 | €15,000 |
| Labour Party | €35,705 | €23,809 |
| Solidarity/PBP | €8,300 | €8,050 |
| Social Democrats | €35,455 | €12,000 |
| Reform Alliance | €3,775 | €3,620 |
| Independents | €5,400 | Nil* |
| €215,594 | €156,874 |
*2021 allocation not drawn down and carried over to current allocation.