John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I think the Tánaiste will agree with me that ISANDS carries out tremendous work. The purpose of my question was to ask why the society received a once-off payment in 2005. The society takes 5,500 calls per year. In addition, it must hold meetings throughout the country, hire hotel rooms, which often cost approximately €300 per night, and send off newsletters to its members and others who have been bereaved. Such newsletters cost approximately 96 cent each to post, which amounts to approximately €2,000 in total.

The society has spent approximately €79,000 on its excellent work at the old holy angels plot in Glasnevin cemetery, where 50,000 babies are buried in unmarked graves. It is shocking to think that the society depends on the Dublin mini-marathon to raise approximately €13,000 per year. It may not be a significant electoral issue but 500 families experience this trauma every year. People often face delayed trauma many years after the original event. These people often need the service provided by a support group and ISANDS provides them with such a service on a voluntary basis.

Can the Tánaiste assist ISANDS in any way? The former Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, stated that he would provide ISANDS with an office. Will the Tánaiste give me a commitment that she will provide the society with proper office facilities and proper annual funding so it can conduct its business? What is the function of the Tánaiste's national lottery fund? How much does it contain and how is it dispensed?

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