Vol. 382 No. 9
asked the Minister for Health if he will favourably consider an application for funding from the proceeds of the national lottery from the Athy branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association, County Kildare; if his attention has been drawn to the very important work undertaken by the association, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
172.
asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the full extent of the services provided by the north County Kildare branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association; whether there is a need to expand and extend these services; if he will favourably consider an application from this association for funds from the proceeds of the national lottery; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 172 together.
There is no record of any application for a grant from national lottery funds from either of these branches of the Irish Wheelchair Association. As the Deputy is probably aware, I have already given grants totalling £150,000 to the Irish Wheelchair Association to enable it to finance their home care attendants scheme.
I am aware of the services being provided by the two branches in their respective areas. In the case of organisations or branches of national organisations whose activities are confined to a local area the organisation or branch should look to the local health board for assistance. The health board are best placed to assess both the needs to be met and the contribution of the organisation concerned in meeting these needs. Indeed I am aware that the Eastern Health Board is giving practical help with their respective projects to the two branches.
