2083. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if funding for meals on wheels has been confirmed; and if so, the amount confirmed. [31443/24]

The allocation of funding for Meals on Wheels services for the next budget is still under consideration by both the HSE and the Department of Health with all proposals submitted being reviewed and considered as part of the standard budget process.

In the Budget for 2024, the funding allocated to Meals on Wheels services across the country increased from €3.5 million in 2022 to over €6 million for this budget.

This funding helps to support approximately 317 Meals on Wheels organisations in operation nationally, who deliver on average 239,000 meals to approximately 19,000 clients monthly.

The Meals on Wheels service provides a valuable support to older people across the country living at home through the provision of healthy meals and is delivered through a combination of HSE and community providers.