Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
760. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if there are funding streams within the palliative care sector for volunteer support and volunteer support programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68447/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe valuable role that volunteers play in palliative care is reflected in recommendation 19 of the 2024 National Adult Palliative Care Policy, which aims to promote and support volunteering in palliative care.
A national Volunteer Coordinator Network for volunteer coordinators was established in 2025 and is facilitated by the All-Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care. Currently, there are six paid volunteer co-ordinators and one voluntary volunteer co-ordinator which cover 10 of the hospices nationally. Policy funding was allocated for this purpose. An in-person event for volunteer coordinators was supported through funding of €1,500 in 2026. €5,000 was provided in 2026 to support a review of the existing Codes of Practice with members of the Volunteer Community of Practice, and to co-design a standard code of conduct for volunteers. This is intended to provide protection and clarity around expectations for volunteers and to support best practice.
Building on this progress and in recognition of the significant contribution of volunteers, the HSE 2027-2028 Implementation Plan will focus on expanding and strengthening volunteering within palliative care.
€27,000 will be allocated next year to develop and implement a nationally coordinated public information and engagement approach to volunteering in palliative care. This will aim to improve public awareness, accessibility and participation, including among underrepresented and diverse communities. This funding will support the achievement of the following deliverables:
• completion of a national mapping exercise and stakeholder engagement process to identify current specialist palliative care volunteering models, existing community volunteering initiatives, gaps, barriers and opportunities for collaboration and replication;
• co-design and implementation of a national public information and engagement campaign linked to Palliative Care Week 2027.
An additional €6,000 will be allocated in 2027 to support the development, visibility and accessibility of task-based and role-based volunteering opportunities within palliative care. This will be delivered through collaboration with specialist palliative care providers and volunteer coordinators, enabling a broader range of meaningful and flexible volunteering opportunities for potential volunteers.
This funding will support the completion of a review of volunteer role descriptions, volunteering models and examples of good practice. It will also provided for the development and promotion of guidance on volunteering opportunities.
Taken together, all these activities will help strengthen community participation, improve public awareness of palliative care, increase volunteering opportunities, and contribute to a more compassionate and sustainable model of palliative care support across communities.
