Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 424: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of funding for an organisation (details supplied). [38019/09]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Funding for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind's Assistance Dog Programme for Children with Autism has been provided through the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform's Enhancing Disabilities Programme and a grant from the Department of Education and Science.

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has informed my Department that there will be some residual funding under the Enhancing Disabilities Programme in 2010 for some projects, including the Assistance Dog Programme for Children with Autism.

I have advised the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind that in light of the unprecedented fiscal and expenditure challenges facing the country, I am not in a position to provide a commitment for funding from the health sector for the Assistance Dog Programme.