asked the Minister for Health if he will make funds available through the national lottery for the Cork County Federation of Community Councils to assist them in their community services for the aged, bearing in mind the proven record of Muintir na Tíre in their community alert scheme and in view of the fact that it is vital that the organisation receive their financial support.

I have on hands a very considerable number of applications from voluntary agencies for lottery funds including one from Munitir na Tíre, Cork County Federation of Community Councils. This application is under consideration at the present time and I hope to reach a final decision in the near future.