Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy said, both of us know Purple House Cancer Support very well. I also know all the other cancer support groups across our county well and I also know that in my time as Minister, the level of annual funding for Purple House Cancer Support has significantly increased by €100,000. It now receives annual funding of €175,000 and no other cancer support group in County Wicklow receives such funding. I am sure the Deputy's concern for cancer patients in Bray is shared by a concern he would have for Greystones Cancer Support, Arklow Cancer Support, West Wicklow Cancer Support and Wicklow Cancer Support. When one is Minister for Health, one is Minister for the whole country and one is a Deputy for one's whole constituency. I have worked with Deputies in this committee on these matters. For example, I have worked with Deputy Kelly to secure funding for Tipperary Cancer Support Centre and there is a process to go through. Funding can be provided for Purple House Cancer Support and I have engaged with my Secretary General and the HSE on this matter.

That funding will assist Purple House Cancer Support in finding a new premises and I have had discussions with its representatives in that regard. I do not relate all the discussions I have with my constituents, although of course my constituents can do that, but I believe that funding can be found. I have had significant conversations with officials in the HSE and my Department about that matter.

I am also very much aware, as is the Deputy, of the rules on procurement and governance and that business cases and valuation reports are needed. The letter that was shared yesterday with Purple House Cancer Support in an effort to be helpful provides some useful information on the next steps that need to be taken. For example, the letter specifically states that while Purple House Cancer Support has produced a business case, it has not made a formal submission for capital funding. The business case it has put together contains some of the information required but not all of the required documentation. The letter included an offer that the local HSE estates office would assist with documentation and in completing the process. It also made a number of other important points, including that the HSE would need a valuation report if taxpayers' money is to be spent. The Deputy and I understand that. If that were not the case, serious questions would be asked in the Committee of Public Accounts and other places.

A technical report on the suitability of a building would also be needed. It would be unusual to designate one building because generally, when one is spending taxpayers' money, one would look at a range of properties. I am aware of the property concerned and the reason the group believes it is suitable, and I can see why that is the case. My message to the Deputy and to Purple House Cancer Support is that we should work together on this. I am more than happy to work with Deputy Donnelly. We can make progress but there are rules, processes and procedures that need to be followed. With the greatest of respect, a demand from the Deputy or anybody else issued through the local media is not how to bring about the spending of taxpayers' money. That should be done by investing in good services and taking the very helpful advice provided yesterday by the chief officer of the HSE in the area in question on what would be required.