Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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1476. To ask the Minister for Health to provide details of grant schemes available through her Department and the HSE to support frontline community-based health responders such as Irish Red Cross branches to access support for investment in equipment etc; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10598/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the Irish Red Cross and other similar organisations such as the Order of Malta and St John's Ambulance, are registered charities which fall under the responsibility of the Charities Regulator. The Deputy may wish to contact my colleague the Minister for Community and Rural Development who has overall responsibility for the Charities Regulator and the charities sector.

In relation to financial supports for community based health responders such as the Irish Red Cross, I understand that potential funding may be made available through the HSE’s National Lottery Grant Scheme, whereby funding amounts of between €300 and €10,000 can be granted to community groups and voluntary organisations for projects and services that improve the health and social care needs of their communities.

Local branches of the Irish Red Cross and other similar charitable bodies can also consider engaging with their local National Ambulance Service Community Engagement Officer who may be able to provide helpful information in relation to further supports that might be available such as training and equipment.

I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy with any further pertinent information it may have in this matter.