Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are always recruiting.

Recently, Mr. Jeyes was on "Morning Ireland" as a consequence of a number of groups that had their funding cut. For a moment, I will be parochial. A group in Mullingar that deals with domestic abuse had its funding cut by 100% with no prior knowledge. Basically, the agency wrote out one week stating that within whatever the period, say six weeks, the funding would be cut. My party subsequently raised it on the floor of the Dáil, the Minister intervened which I acknowledge, and a stay of execution was put in place. It was said that nothing would happen until an alternative was put in place. If an alternative will be put in place, surely the alternative should be put in place before the agency discontinues a service, especially a critical service dealing with domestic abuse.

Finally, I will make a point about the guardians ad litem. As Opposition TDs, we are always criticised that we are looking for spending in additional areas. Last week I produced a piece of legislation on the regulation of guardians ad litemwhich would ensure regulation of this sector which is currently unregulated, open to manipulation, open to abuse and, effectively, a cash cow for some. At a time of scarce resources, should we be regulating a sector that is breaking Tusla? It should be a priority to regulate that sector so that the scarce resources could be diverted to maintaining and providing the front-line services which is what this agency is all about.