asked the Minister for Health if he has received an application for grant aid from the proceeds of the national lottery from the North Kildare branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association; if he will respond positively to this application in the current year; if his attention has been drawn to the great work voluntarily undertaken by this body; whether such effort should be appropriately rewarded by way of a grant allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Kildare Association Funding.
51.
There is no record of any application for a grant from national lottery funds from the North Kildare Branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association. I have already given grants totalling £225,000 to the national headquarters of the association to enable it to finance its home care attendants scheme.
However, as I indicated to the Deputy in a reply to a similar question last June, the health board concerned is the appropriate body to give assistance to the local branches of national organisations. The health board is in the best position to assess the needs to be met locally and the contribution of the organisation concerned in meeting these needs.