Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
1092. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on an organisation (details supplied); the services the organisation provides in counties Cavan and Monaghan; how many persons are provided with a service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39728/23]
View answerFirstly, I want to acknowledge the wonderful work the Meals on Wheels Network does at a local and national level in supporting people to remain in their homes and communities and in supporting individuals in their recovery after hospitalisation or periods of illness.
In 2020 I announced funding under Measure 3(a) of the CLÁR programme to enable community-based organisations which deliver Meals on Wheels and linked services to purchase equipment and make adaptations to existing vehicles to support the provision of their services. This initiative was in recognition of the critical role played by community groups in responding to COVID-19, with a particular focus on those groups providing Meals on Wheels services. Funding of almost €340,000 was approved for some 45 projects nationwide with funding approved for two groups in Monaghan, namely Truagh Development Association (€14,000) and Clones Development Society (€9,337).
In addition, under Measure 2 of the 2023 CLÁR programme my Department approved €22,400 to the Castleblaney Trust for Homeless, Needy & Unemployed for the provision of a vehicle to deliver meals on wheels in the Castleblaney area.
Notwithstanding the supports mentioned above, it should be noted that the National Meals on Wheels Network operates under the umbrella of Irish Rural Link, and is funded from a number of sources. While my Department has provided some funding, including that outlined above, the main source of funding for Meals on Wheels providers is through the HSE Section 39 funding process. My Department does not have access to the level of information which the Deputy is requesting in relation to how many persons are provided with a service within individual counties.
I recognise the important value to communities throughout the country, and particularly for isolated or vulnerable members of our communities, of the continued provision of the Meals on Wheels service. My Department will, therefore, continue to provide supports through our relevant existing funding streams, such as the CLÁR Programme.
