asked the Minister for Health if his Department has any funds available for grant purposes from national or EC sources to help voluntary bodies such as the Red Cross for the purchase of ambulances, buildings or other equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Ambulances/First Aid Equipment.
234.
The EC Structural Funds as they apply to the health services exist essentially to support vocational training programmes for the handicapped. In preparation for the new arrangements relating to the Structural Funds my Department has prepared, in consultation with relevant organisations, including voluntary organisations, a national programme outlining the health sector requirements under the new system for incorporation in the national plan to be submitted to Brussels by Government.
The Irish Red Cross Society is funded by the Department of Defence and any issues relating to the funding of the society are in the first instance a matter for the Minister for Defence. However, I accept that there are aspects of the society's activities which could have relevance for my Department.
Indeed, I am at present considering applications from the Irish Red Cross Society and from a range of other voluntary organisations for grants from the national lottery for 1989.