Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy again. What she said about the importance of community support for people who are recovering, or have recovered, from cancer struck home. There is a centre somewhat like that in my parish to which people can go after being diagnosed with cancer, during the cancer programme and when they come out the other end. It is important for a number of reasons. The Deputy mentioned a cup of tea, which is important, and interactions between people who have had cancer and those who are in the process of treatment or who are coming out the other end can be helpful.

I do not know why funding was not given to this particular service from the National Lottery and I am not sure the Minister will know either. However, I will inform the Minister and see if anything can be done. I cannot give a commitment on that but I understand the need for the service. There is such a service on the South Circular Road, near where I live. I attend their coffee mornings and I know that the need for people to sit down and talk to each other is obvious. People can get support from each other and that is what community services are all about.

I do not have an answer for the Deputy on why funding was not given to the group but I will certainly pursue the matter for her. I will ask the Minister to come back to the Deputy if I do not do so myself.

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