Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Apr 1998

Vol. 490 No. 2

Written Answers - Voluntary Bodies' Funding.

John Bruton

Question:

185 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide funding to the Osteoporosis Society in view of the fact it is a national organisation (details supplied) and should be funded by his Department and not the health boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9979/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

Non-governmental organisations, such as the Osteoporosis Society, are funded by the health boards under section 65 of the Health Act, 1953, in respect of ongoing running expenses for services provided in the functional area of the relevant board. Some such organisations have been funded directly by my Department but, in accordance with the health strategy, funding of these organisations is being transferred to the health boards.

If the society has any particular project with a national focus which might be suitable for national lottery funding, it is open to it to make an application to my Department. I should add that the health promotion unit of my Department is currently in discussions with the society with regard to providing funding towards the production of information materials and research.