asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to give financial help or other assistance to the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland; if his attention has been drawn to the great work which they carry out on a voluntary basis and that a submission was made in November 1986 for grant aid; the response, if any, that was given; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the research budget is £40,000 and that the Association's budget for 1986-87 is £210,000; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that there are 650 patients suffering from cystic fibrosis.
Written Answers. - Cystic Fibrosis Association.
237.
I am familiar with the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland on behalf of its members throughout the country.
The association receives an annual grant from the National Rehabilitation Board. The amount of the grant for the last few years has been £5,750. An advance of £5,000 for this year has already been given and the position will be reviewed when the National Rehabilitation Board receives the association's accounts for 1986-87. The grant is in respect of the association's home physiotherapy service.
Officials of my Department met representatives of the association on 19 November last. There was a wide ranging discussion on all the activities and needs of the association. Arising from that discussion the association agreed to make written submissions to my Department on: (a) its proposal for a national centre for the treatment of cystic fibrosis, to include a genetic counselling service and (b) its request to funds for its research programme.
These submissions are awaited.