Fine Gael Minister of State Kieran O’Donnell has announced a funding package of €230,372 in taxpayer money, which will go to nine political parties and one independents group to support “an increased number of women candidates and people of diversity” in the upcoming Local Elections.
In a statement today, the Minister said that this is being done with the aim of increasing “female participation and diversity” in the elections, which will take place in June of 2024.
O’Donnell, who is Minister for Local Government and Planning, said that government-funded research has found that political parties “play a crucial role in encouraging female and diverse participation at local level.”
“Parties make an important difference in terms of early intervention, supporting and coaching candidates, and providing supports to ensure a successful and confident campaign,” he said, adding that the funding was “aimed at increasing the numbers of women and diverse candidates running in local elections.”
“In tandem with the funding to local authorities I announced last week, we intend that this initiative will support and encourage the increased participation of those groups, with the ultimate aim of making our local council chambers more reflective of the breadth and diversity of modern Ireland,” he added.
This year, political parties and representative independents groups were invited to submit applications to fund activities specifically to support and prepare candidates, with the aim of achieving “increased female and diverse participation in the local elections 2024.” A variety of initiatives were selected for funding, including “the appointment of equality and diversity officers within parties,” the running of a number of women’s conferences, as well as training and capacity building for potential candidates.
“Political parties and representative independents groups play an essential role in supporting and encouraging candidates, and therefore I am delighted that we are able to continue our collaboration,” the Minister continued.
“Funding has been offered under this scheme since 2019, with this year seeing the highest funding to date. The proposals approved for funding should greatly assist in a beneficial way in the run up to the local elections next year. It is my strong ambition that 2024 will bring more equal, accessible and sustainable local government for all.”
Recipient parties under the scheme this year are as follows:
Fine Gael – €39,402
Fianna Fáil – €39,070
Green Party – €36,250
Labour Party – €31,600
Social Democrats – €32,100
Sinn Féin – €20,000
Solidarity/PBP – €8,300
Independents – €7,000
Aontú – €11,250
Reform Alliance – €5,400