Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Pieta House does amazing work. I saw the recognition of that amazing work by the people of Ireland in their generosity last week through "The Late Late Show" fundraiser. Deputy Ward is asking, rightly, what the Government is going to do to match, or at least recognise, the incredible work Pieta House does. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, in addition to the continuation of the existing HSE funding of some €2.03 million per year, as he rightly stated, the HSE and Pieta House have now formally agreed to additional funding of €114,608 per month, which is equivalent to €343,824 per quarter. Once the current Government staffing cost schemes, of which Pieta House is availing, have ceased, the HSE is committed to providing cash flow support monthly, with the position to be reviewed after each quarter. The funding is being provided to fund an additional 300 hours of high-risk clients, and a quarterly review will ensure that any client who commences a programme of support can have a reasonable assurance of its completion. The cash flow support is also contingent on the continuation of the process of engagement with the HSE to work towards creating a sustainable funding model for the organisation. This arrangement, therefore, will provide the necessary support to Pieta House as it and the HSE continue to work together. I hope that is some good news and that it will be of great assistance to many.

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