asked the Minister for Health the amount of money that was allocated to the coeliac research unit at University College, Galway, in 1977, 1978, 1979 and 1980.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coeliac Disease.
5.
The coeliac research unit at University College, Galway, was established in October 1979. The amount of money allocated to the unit from funds administered by my Department was £10,100 in 1979 and £52,600 in 1980.
6.
asked the Minister for Health if he will provide State finance for the Coeliac Society of Ireland to enable it to disseminate literature and organic seminars for its members throughout the country.
The society sought and was granted financial assistance for this purpose in 1979. No application for further assistance has since been made.
If an application is sought by the society for 1980, is there a possibility that they would be accommodated?
I would certainly consider sympathetically, out of the resources available, any application which is made.
In view of the fact that an allocation was made last year, has any provision been made in the Estimates for a similar allocation this year?
The source of the funds would not be specified specifically for that in the Estimates, in any event.
This obviously comes under a general subhead of one kind or another for similar type grants. Can the Minister answer two questions, first, how much was given last year and do you have that sort of money this year?
Would the Deputy please use the third person.
I beg the Chair's pardon. Could I ask the Minister how much the Department allocated last year, if he has the information in his brief, and if he is in a position to make the same amount of money available this year, discounting inflation?
The society sought financial assistance towards the cost of preparing and circulating a revised issue of the list of gluten-free products and arrangements were made for the payment of a grant of £500 towards that booklet. That booklet may be due for revision shortly.
One final question. Does the Department have £500 this year?
First and foremost, the Department has £500.
I am delighted to hear it.
As I said earlier, if the society have a proposal, they should come to me with it.
Question No. 7, please.