245 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department has received a request from an organisation (details supplied) in County Cork requesting funding for care staff and a nursing manager; and if funds will be provided to this organisation. [7543/02]

As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the provision of health services in Cork rests with the chief executive officer of the Southern Health Board. Officials of my Department have met representatives of Charleville Community Care Services and subsequently Southern Health Board officials to discuss the question of developments within the area of services for older people, including the proposal referred to by the Deputy. It is my understanding that the Southern Health Board is considering the matter.

The Deputy will be aware that the level of additional revenue funding provided to the Southern Health Board for the development of services for older people has increased in recent years. In 2002 an additional €11.244 million is being provided to the Southern Health Board.