Vol. 518 No. 6
326 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the financial crisis which exists in voluntary homes for the elderly throughout the South Eastern Health Board region; if he will approve substantial funding for those homes in recognition of the valuable and essential services they provide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12737/00]
The South Eastern Health Board fully recognises the significant and valuable contribution made by the voluntary homes for older people throughout the region. The board has an ongoing working relationship with the providers and managers of these homes and is aware of the financial difficulties being experienced by some voluntary homes in maintaining services at their current level. At the request of the board, my Department has provided an additional grant of £50,000 for the board to address the problem. The board is currently in discussion with the managers of these homes with a view to distributing this additional funding.
