Buttimer welcomes Minister’s decision on funding under SSNO scheme

Fine Gael Cork South Central TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Jerry Buttimer, has today (Friday) welcomed the decision by the Minister for the Environment, Alan Kelly, to restore funding to a number of health, disability and other organisations for a twelve month period, following a review of the SSNO scheme.

“A number of organisations which provide great work were left not just extremely disappointed, but facing closure, after they failed to secure funding under the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO).

“I expressed concern about the impact of this on the groups involved on a number of occasions over the last few weeks. Many of these groups only get a small amount of funding from the Government, but it is absolutely vital for their survival. And without their good work, minority groups would suffer.

“Minister Kelly has now decided to restore funding to groups which had previously received monies under the scheme, and which submitted valid applications this year. Bridging finance totalling just under €1.3 million for a 12 month period is being approved to avoid a sudden and adverse impact on these organisations.

“A review will now be undertaken to ensure public money is being well spent and that there is no unnecessary duplication. While we must ensure efficiency and transparency, we must also not lose sight of humanity in the process. Small groups such as those funded under the SSNO scheme provide fantastic support, and I am glad that they can now plan ahead for the next twelve months with certainty.”

ENDS