Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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19. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider funding an organisation (details supplied) for patient services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19293/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Thanks to continued investment in Health Services, Ireland has seen a decline in the number of deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Since 2012, the mortality rate from heart disease has been reduced by 38%, mortality from stroke has been reduced by 48%.

• However, CVD remains a significant challenge claiming 9,000 lives annually.
• The Government acknowledges the vital support, education, and advocacy offered by the Irish Heart Foundation and other patient support groups.
• Many patient services are embedded in policy, including the National Stroke Strategy 2022-2027 for which the government has provided over €7m to date.
• Partnerships and collaboration are and will continue to be, enablers of our commitment to promoting the cardiovascular health of our nation.
• In 2022 and 2023, the HSE's National Heart Programme, supported through the Enhanced Community Care Programme, sponsored two CVD risk prevention projects with the IHF.
• The State, via the HSE, provides funding to the IHF, and other cardiovascular support agencies of approximately €530,000 through Service Level Agreements and Grant Aid Agreementsof which €380,000 was allocated to IHF in 2024.
• In 2024, the HSE advise that an additional once-off sum of €400,000 has been allocated to the Irish Heart Foundation's for a High-Risk CVD Prevention Programme which has demonstrated its effectiveness by enhancing healthcare provision, clinical outcomes, and health behaviours in patients living in deprived communities.