Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 January 2019
200. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if funding and support will be provided to an organisation (details supplied) to allow it remain open and continue to provide services to the deaf community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4623/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the financial difficulties that the Irish Deaf Society is currently experiencing and the concerns regarding its future sustainability.
The Irish Deaf Society focuses its service delivery on advocacy, training and development as distinct from the delivery of health and social care supports to the deaf community and for this reason, it does not receive core-funding from the Health Vote. However, there are a number of other funding options available to the Irish Deaf Society. It has received funding, in the past, from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Department of Education & Skills. It has also received grants from the Department of Justice and Equality and the National Lottery.
I am currently working with colleagues in Government to see if this issue can be resolved and I remain hopeful of a positive outcome.
