Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 25 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 3

Written Answers - Community Homes.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

125 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider the case being made by the community homes for the elderly in County Kilkenny to have their allocation through the South Eastern Health Board substantially increased and ring fenced from his Department; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that due to voluntary commitment and fund raising the service represents value for money to the overall health services and is under funded and reaching a crisis stage; and if he will undertake a complete review of the funding system and amount prior to the 1998 budget. [24967/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Dr. Moffatt):

The homes in Kilkenny, referred to by the Deputy, are voluntary welfare homes run by religious orders and funded by a combination of section 65 grants from the South Eastern Health Board, contributions by clients and local fund raising. I understand that the South Eastern Health Board is in discussion with the local diocesan authorities and management of the homes on the question of the future direction, funding and management of the homes and I hope that an acceptable arrangement can be arrived at.