Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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332. To ask the Minister for Health if he will support the work of an organisation (details supplied) dedicated to improving cardiovascular health and providing support services to people with a cardiovascular condition; if he will commit to engaging with the organisation with a view to increasing its funding requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25940/24]

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. Partnerships and collaboration are and will continue to be, enablers of our commitment to promoting the cardiovascular health of our nation.

Many patient services are embedded in policy, including the National Stroke Strategy 2022-2027 for which the government has provided over €7m to date.

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 Agreements of 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.