Galway Hospice to share in €10.68 million as Government addresses funding issue among hospices

Funding approved by the Government at a recent Cabinet meeting will benefit voluntary hospices nationally including Galway Hospice. Thefunding comes as part of a Government decision to end an anomaly which until now has seen voluntary sector hospices, such as Galway Hospice and St Francis’ Hospice in Dublin receive less State funding than others.

The decision by Minister for Health, Simon Harris and Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe to close this funding gap was initially planned to take place on a phased basis over the next three years. However, given the devastating impact of the Covid-19 crisis and the pressure on hospices, the additional funding will be provided this year.

I have been working with Minister Harris on the funding situation for Galway Hospice for some time and have facilitated meetings with the Minister and health officials and Galway Hospice, most recently at Government Buildings.

The service provided by Galway Hospice is one which almost every family in Galway has benefited from, either directly or indirectly, and the staff and board members carry out invaluable work not just at the facility in Renmore but across Galway. 

The Covid-19 crisis has put all healthcare services, hospices included, under unprecedented pressure and has severely impacted revenue sources, such as fundraising activities, for community and voluntary organisations. This additional funding from Government will help provide financial certainty for Galway Hospice and enable the team to continue to focus on the crucial help and assistance they provide.