Vol. 482 No. 3
214 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn by the voluntary sector to their concern in relation to the financial arrangements in place for the provision of their services; if so, if he will give details of these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17949/97]
There are only two areas in which funding arrangements for voluntary bodies have been raised recently. The National Council on Ageing and Older People has just published a report The Years Ahead Report: A Review of the Implementation of its Recommendations. The review referred to certain difficulties that voluntary organisations, involved in providing care for older people, were experiencing arising from the method of funding by statutory bodies. The findings of the review are being examined by my Department with a view to addressing difficulties which may arise in relation to funding arrangements.
I am aware that initially some of the groups which were due to receive funding from the task force on drugs expressed reservations about the procedures concerning the draw down of funds. However, following meetings with the task force these difficulties have I understand been resolved. I am not aware of any other formal complaints from agencies to my Department. However if the Deputy has any specific case in mind regarding funding arrangements I will look into the matter.
