Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 June 2023
267. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health the criteria that the HSE uses to consider whether it will provide funding to charities in the healthcare sector; how the HSE reviews its funding of charities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28922/23]
View answer268. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the HSE's decision to provide funding or withdraw funding from a charity influences the work of the charity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28923/23]
View answer270. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if he believes it appropriate that a State body, such as the HSE, has the power to influence charities through granting or withholding funding; the potential negative impact this has on the freedom of charities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28928/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 267, 268 and 270 together.
My Department sets the overall funding level for specific service areas, and then the HSE prioritises funding within that allocation based on operational need. Should the HSE wish to provide financial assistance to a charity or not for profit organisation for the provision of services similar or supplementary to a service that the HSE may provide, it is entitled to do so. Section 39 of the Health Act 2004 allows the HSE to provide such financial assistance to organisations by means of a grant.
It is a matter for the HSE as to how they engage with such organisations.
