Vol. 560 No. 1
667 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding his Department has given to Muscular Dystrophy Ireland to assist with its 2003 service plan; if the South Eastern Health Board is supporting this organisation; if so, the financial assistance which will be given by the board in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1333/03]
A sum of €277,000 is being provided to Muscular Dystrophy Ireland in 2003 through the Eastern Regional Health Authority. This funding is in addition to €262,000 which was provided to the organisation in 2002 and is for the purpose of implementing recommendations of the service audit of the sector. This is a considerable increase by comparison with the sum of €380,000, the approximate figure which the organisation spent in 2000. The additional funding which has been provided has significantly enhanced the support services which are being provided by the organisation to people with neuromuscular conditions.
With regard to the position in the South Eastern Health Board, the provision of health related services in that region are entirely a matter for the board in the first instance. Organisations seeking funding for health related services in that region should contact the health board.
