Seán Haughey
Question:554 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide care funding for Aspire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13775/02]
Written Answers. - Departmental Funding.
Each year, my Department, in consultation with the Department of Finance notifies each health board and the Eastern Regional Health Authority of its determination for the following year. This would include ongoing funding for existing services, together with any additional funding which has been made available for new service developments. It is a matter for the individual health board-authority to allocate these funds having regard to the level of service provided by the board-authority.
In relation to the agency specifically mentioned by the Deputy, officials from my Department met with representatives of the agency in late 2001. It was explained to them that while the Department had no funding available to it at that time from which financial assistance could be given, consideration would be given in the context of the 2003 Estimates discussions, to the need for core funding which had been identified for the agency. However should an opportunity to assist them arise in the meantime, my Department will follow this up with the agency.