Written answer
Meals-on-Wheels Services
585. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided for a facility in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39962/24]
Comment on this
I have requested my officials to refer this funding request to the HSE for their appropriate attention so that they can review and consider this request received on behalf of the social action group Rathmore Ltd.
Additionally, I would like to draw your attention to funding that I recently announced which may be applicable to this organisation. This funding is for an additional €10 million which is being made available for older persons Day Centres and Meals on Wheels services.
This new funding will be available to approximately 400 Section 39 Health Service Executive (HSE) funded community providers across Ireland. Eligible organisations will be able to apply for funding of up to €25,000.
This funding is designed to support capital or minor capital improvements to physical premises for Day Centres and Meals on Wheels services. It can be used to upgrade kitchens and other facilities, and to purchase vehicles or equipment.
This funding will be administered through the HSE Regional Health Areas (RHAs) and will be open to all HSE funded day care and Meals on Wheels services that currently have a Service Level Agreement (SLA) or are currently engaging with the HSE to provide such services. The Department of Health and HSE continue to engage with each other regarding this scheme to progress its implementation as quickly as possible.
Further details on this funding and the application process will be communicated directly to service providers shortly. This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing community-based services and supporting the well-being of individuals across the country.
These services provide important wraparound supports that work alongside home support to keep people well at home for longer. It is hoped that this funding will support and assist the expansion of these services across the country.