ChildVision funding
Deputy Burke highlighted ChildVision’s work with children with complex needs and its lack of State funding. The Taoiseach praised the service and said he would speak to the HSE about its requirements.
I wish to raise the issue of ChildVision, which is based on Model Farm Road in Cork, in the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind facility. It provides support for more than 60 children. It does not get State funding of any description; it operates on voluntary contributions. It requires approximately €144,000 per annum. It looks after children with complex needs such as impaired vision. One child is percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, PEG-fed, another child has epilepsy, another with Rett syndrome, another with Char syndrome and another has cleft lip. It supports these children who have quite complicated medical needs, and their families, with no funding. The HSE met with them but gave no commitment on funding. Will the Taoiseach engage with the HSE to require them to have this reviewed? It is contributing hugely for the benefit of these children and for their families.
Comment on this
I am aware of the organisation. It is a wonderful service. We have the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind as well, which does wonderful work. That is a long-established centre. I certainly will talk to the HSE regarding the requirements of ChildVision and, in particular, the children they look after.