John Ellis
Ceist:68 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has with regard to funding the Diabetic Association of Ireland; and if he will make further money available for diabetic research. [2083/96]
Written Answers - Diabetic Association Funding.
Limerick East): My Department's health promotion unit has granted funding over the past number of years to the Irish Diabetic Association for diabetes awareness and education initiatives aimed at the general public.
With regard to research, a significant part of the funding available for research is channelled through the Health Research Board. Each research proposal is judged on its scientific and medical merits and funding is granted, on the basis of available resources, to those projects which fulfil these criteria and which would be considered to be of overall benefit. This would also be the most appropriate forum for the submission of any research projects on diabetes.
Ireland is a signatory to the St. Vincent Declaration, an initiative of the World Health Organisation, which has set targets for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. In response to this Declaration a Diabetic Action Group, with representation from professional groups and voluntary organisations, including the Irish Diabetic Association has been established. Any recommendations from the Action Group will receive detailed consideration.