Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This is an important issue. The Senator is perfectly right that my priority was to ensure that we could keep the service going for the service users and the staff.

Many really good people work for the trust. That is why we took the unprecedented step of providing funding to the tune of €15 million. There are two investigations being carried out by the Charities Regulator and the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority, respectively. Those bodies are working through that process. I am aware of the further allegations that have emerged. All of the information is being looked at. I cannot comment further until those investigations are concluded.

I assure the Senator and the service users of the Peter McVerry Trust that the teams will continue to support the service. I have said publicly that reform of the trust will be crucial for the future. I see it very much staying in service provision as opposed to there being any further developments in the future. I do not see that continuing. However, I do not want to prejudice the investigations that are under way.