Written Answers. - Departmental Funding.
177.
Ms Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if he intends to continue to provide financial assistance to victim support groups in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23559/03]
Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. B. Lenihan): My Department has provided funding to a number of support groups for victims of institutional abuse since 2000. As is normal, my Department will assess the funding requests received from such groups in conjunction with the levels of funding available for 2004 in order for the best use to be made of the resources available.
178.
Ms Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the financial assistance which has been provided by his Department or by the health boards to groups (details supplied); the basis on which this funding has been provided; the purposes for which the funds were to be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23560/03]
Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. B. Lenihan): In the period 2001 to date the first named group has received €156,279.56. This funding has been provided to meet the costs of running the group, support services to clients, social activities and referrals for counselling.
From May 2002 to date, the second named group has received €633,000. Of this, €208,000 was provided to assist its UK based operation to deal with calls and queries relating to clerical abuse. Some €425,000 has been made available to the group in Ireland and is made up of €302,000 in salaries, expenses, pensions and training for staff, €79,000 for premises, €5,000 recruitment costs and €8,000 volunteer costs.
The third named group has not received funding from my Department.