The National Ambulance Service provides support to Community First Responder groups in relation to training, management and administration of schemes. In relation to funding, my Department administers a National Lottery Discretionary Fund, from which once-off grants are paid to community and voluntary organisations providing a range of health-related services. Organisations such as First Responders can apply for grants towards equipment. Organisations wishing to make an application for National Lottery Funding should submit a formal application, however the 2015 applications have closed.
Further information about the grant scheme, along with the application form, are set out on the Department's website at www.health.gov.ie.