John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding that will be provided to an organisation (details supplied); if any changes in funding are planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7145/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector, under which the organisation referred to by the Deputy has been funded, commenced in 2008 with the aim of providing multi-annual funding to national organisations which provide coalface services to disadvantaged target groups. The three-year contracts were concluded at the end of 2010.

On 16 December 2010, applications were invited under a new round of funding for the Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector. This new round of funding will replace the previous Scheme and will provide multi-annual funding (subject to funding being available) to national organisations towards core costs associated with the provision of services. The closing date for applications was 24 January 2011.

On 2 December 2010, organisations funded under the previous Scheme were offered an extension to their contract until 31 March 2011. In light of the changes currently underway in relation to Departmental functions, I have decided to roll-over the current interim funding for a further month to allow sufficient time for decisions on the allocations under the new scheme to be made by the end-April 2011. The relevant organisations were informed of this revised timescale on 25 March 2011. All applicants, including the organisation referred to by the Deputy, will be contacted once the decision-making process for the new round of funding is finalised.

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide funding to a group (details supplied) in County Kerry towards the cost of running a voluntary bus service which brings patients from all parts of County Kerry to Cork University Hospital free of charge on a daily basis. [7154/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) is currently reviewing its policy in relation to eligibility for non-ambulance based patient transport services in order that a consistent policy is adopted nationally for these services.

The need for patients to travel arises partly as a result of the consolidation of cancer services by the HSE National Cancer Control Programme (HSE NCCP). The HSE has designated Cork University Hospital and Waterford Regional Hospital as the two cancer centres in the Managed Cancer Control Network for the HSE Southern Region.

There are a number of systems of support in place for cancer patients who have to travel for treatment, through the HSE Community Welfare Office services and the Travel2Care scheme. The Travel2Care scheme is being implemented on a phased basis in line with the transfer of cancer services to the designated centres and the approved satellite centre, where this transfer of services has caused financial hardship. This scheme, which is funded by the NCCP and administered by the Irish Cancer Society, provides some financial help towards the costs of public transport such as trains or buses, private transport costs; or petrol and parking.