Minister Joe O’Brien open applications for Funding Initiative to promote the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

The Minister of State for Community Development, Integration and Charities, Joe O’Brien, has today 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 is on 17th October 2023 and has had international focus since its formal UN adoption in 1992. In Ireland, the day is promoted by the 17 October Committee and All Together in Dignity (ATD) Ireland.

The Department of Social Protection is providing funding to support anti-poverty groups to organise local, regional or national activities to promote awareness of the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Commenting today, Minister O’Brien said:

“As Government, we are committed to reducing poverty and making Ireland one of the most socially inclusive countries in the EU.

“This funding allows local community groups and projects to raise awareness of their work in tackling poverty and social exclusion in Ireland as part of the global issue on the UN Day for the Eradication of 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. Funding of up to €3,000 is available per project.

The Irish theme for this year’s United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is: Let Dignity be our Compass: Working together towards change to end persistent poverty

Minister Joe O’Brien continued:

“As Minister with responsibility for Social Inclusion, I oversee the implementation of the Roadmap for Social Inclusion which aims to reduce consistent poverty to 2% or less by 2025. These events are so important as they raise public awareness of poverty in Ireland, and crucially recognise that poverty should not be considered acceptable and must be tackled.”