Cancer Services Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 March 2017

Thursday, 23 March 2017

Ceisteanna (161, 162)

Eugene Murphy

Ceist:

161. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 648 of 7 March 2017, if he will source some level of State funding towards the remuneration of a centre manager and full-time office administrator for a cancer support centre (details supplied) in County Galway in view of the fact that over 140 persons a week use the centre and a range of vital therapies and support is provided on an entirely voluntary basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14774/17]

Eugene Murphy

Ceist:

162. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 649 of 7 March 2017, the reason a cancer support centre (details supplied) in County Galway did not receive funding under the national lottery grant scheme despite the fact that a full-time service is run on an entirely voluntary basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14775/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together.

The Department of Health does not provide on-going funding to support centres to cover staff salaries.

The East Galway Cancer Support submitted an application for funding under the National Lottery grant scheme to the Department in 2014. Unfortunately, applications for National Lottery grants far exceed the available resources and the grant was not awarded on that occasion. My Department does not have a record of any other National Lottery grant scheme applications from East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support Centre.