Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 January 2019
208. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he or his officials have received correspondence from an organisation (details supplied) regarding the lack of funding for the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3639/19]
View answerI am aware of the financial difficulties that the Irish Deaf Society is currently experiencing and concerns regarding its future sustainability. Officials from my Office have been in regular contact with the Society’s C.E.O., Mr. John Sherwin, on the matter.
The Irish Deaf Society focuses its service delivery on advocacy, training and development as distinct from the delivery of health and social care supports to the deaf community and for this reason, it does not receive core-funding from the Health Vote. However, there are a number of other funding options available to the Irish Deaf Society. It has received funding, in the past, from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Department of Education & Skills. It has also received grants from the Department of Justice and Equality and the National Lottery.
I am currently working with colleagues in Government to see if this issue can be resolved and I remain hopeful of a positive outcome.
