Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that. As stated, I accept that there had been refurbishment at the facility. It was fair to make the point that this took place after significant media coverage in respect of the conditions there. I accept what has been done but I have raised the point previously at this committee that there had been what would be considered subhuman conditions there. The Ombudsman, Peter Tyndall, had previously raised the question of the points system that exists for the purchase of food for families and babies and the cost of baby food as well as what families need to raise children. That had been previously raised by the Ombudsman. That is not a political charge; it was raised by the Ombudsman. I take the view these are fair points to make given the amount of money being spent by the State in the hiring of this centre.

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