€270,000 to support 'magnificent work' of Order of Malta – Minister Ring

Michael Ring TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, has confirmed that his Department has allocated €270,000 to support the work of the Order of Malta Ireland.

The funding will be provided under his department’s Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector (SSNO) 2019-2022.

Speaking today, Minister Ring said: “I’m delighted that the Order of Malta will avail of this funding which will assist them to operate over the next three years and fund core staff positions.

“The Order of Malta Ambulance Corps does fantastic work and is one of the most remarkable volunteer organisations in the country. Last year, 2,500 Order of Malta volunteers worked almost 300,000 hours in the service of the public.

“We depend greatly on the spirit of volunteerism, which organisations like the Order of Malta epitomise, and I am delighted that my Department is able to support their ongoing work in this way.”

“The scale of the work carried out by Order of Malta volunteers is remarkable.”

Last year, the Order of Malta:

• carried out 5,671 first aid duties,

• delivered 418 first aid courses to the public, and

• trained 6,500 people in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

Minister Ring continued: “The organisation provides first aid and emergency medical ambulance services to an extensive array of organisations, events and festivals throughout the island of Ireland and has 69 active ambulance units. Many of these events would not be able to take place without their presence.

“The Order of Malta also manages a range of community care services including day care centres, community care, centres for the elderly and supports welfare clinics for the homeless. It also provide essential respite for disabled young people at its facilities.

“I urge the public to support the work of the Order of Malta, an organisation to whom we owe a debt of gratitude.”

The Department of Rural and Community Development recently announced funding of €18.5m over the coming three years to 73 national community and voluntary organisations, including the Order of Malta, under the SSNO.