Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 367: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide assistance to a group (details supplied) under the dormant account scheme or any other scheme that may be available. [12502/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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There is no dormant account funding available this year for the Health Service.

My Department has a National Lottery discretionary fund in place which considers applications for once-off grants to community groups and organisations, providing a range of health related services. An organisation may make an application for National Lottery Funding by forwarding a formal application. Application forms and detailed procedures to be followed can be found on my Department's website - www.dohc.ie.

You may wish to note that there are a number of systems of support in place for cancer patients who have to travel for treatment, through the 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. Support is available where this transfer of services would otherwise cause financial hardship. This scheme, which is funded by the NCCP and administered by the Irish Cancer Society, provides some financial assistance towards the costs of public transport such as trains or buses, private transport costs; or petrol and parking.

In addition, 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.