Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the resources she provided for support services for carers; the support provided for an association (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21879/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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My Department does not provide multi-annual funding to community or voluntary sector organisations. However, my Department does provide funding each year to community and voluntary organisations through its National Lottery allocation. In addition the Health Service Executive funds a wide range of voluntary bodies to provide services on its behalf or which are similar or ancillary to the services it provides. This funding includes the allocation of funds from the National Lottery Fund under its Vote.

The Deputy will be aware that this Government has, over recent years, provided significant additional investment either to put in place, or expand, a range of community based services such as Home Helps, Home Care Packages, Day/Respite Care, and Meals-on-Wheels. All of these are designed to support recipients and their families, so that those requiring care can remain in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Additional funding of just over €200 million was provided to develop community services and supports for older people over the period 2006-2008.

I understand that part of the Deputy's question relates specifically to the Carer's Association in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. The Department has not provided lottery funding to the Association in recent years. However I understand that the Executive provides ongoing funding to the Carers Association and I have asked the Executive to provide details of the funding allocated specifically to the Blanchardstown branch.