Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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429. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider establishing a fund for registered cancer support groups that would allow for the purchase of an electric vehicle to transport clients to hospital appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5951/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I have been advised by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) that there are two services administered by the Irish Cancer Society which offer financial supports towards travelling for cancer treatment.

The first of these services is the Travel2Care Scheme – a limited transportation assistance fund, funded by the NCCP. This is available to patients travelling to a designated cancer centre, approved centres, or an approved children’s hospital and will cover part of the associated costs for said travel.

The second scheme available aiding those travelling for cancer treatment is the Volunteer Driver Service. This is a volunteer delivered transport service wherein patients are driven to and from treatment in designated partner hospitals and centres. Drivers are interviewed, trained, Garda vetted and must attend annual Support & Supervision sessions run by the Irish Cancer Society to participate in the service.

The service is free to the patient, with all costs paid by the Irish Cancer Society, and applications are conducted by approaching a healthcare professional in a partnered hospital who will then discuss the suitability of it for the patient's needs and make a decision on referral. Once referred, the patient must book appointments in advance with the Irish Cancer Society to arrange transport.

Further information on both schemes can be obtained from the Irish Cancer Society, viacancer.ie, emailing travel@irishcancer.ie, or by calling 01 231 6643 / 01 231 0522 to request information.

I am advised that the Irish Cancer Society is happy to receive requests outside the guidelines on an exceptional basis.

Voluntary organisations may also be able to apply for section 39 funding, which is administered by the HSE. Applications should be made through the Community Health Organisation for the area in which the voluntary organisation is based.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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430. To ask the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been excluded from weekend day-respite services at Galro Centre, Kilbixy Paddocks, County Westmeath; if this decision will be reversed or alternative weekend day-respite services will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5952/23]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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431. To ask the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been excluded from weekend day-respite services at Galro Centre, Kilbixy Paddocks, County Westmeath; if this decision will be reversed or alternative weekend day-respite services will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5953/23]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.