Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I knew Mr. McCarthy would not let that point go but I do not want him to take up my time. That is my perception of the situation from the outside.

Is the Department working to a plan? Are there scenarios if certain things happen? The Department has put out calls for staff. A statutory instrument allows for particular buildings to be used in a manner other than what we would hope to see in the normal course of events.

I have met representatives of the HSE in community healthcare organisation, CHO, 7, who told me they have no additional resources to address the additional needs that will come with an inflow of people, particularly people who are coming from fairly chaotic situations. We need matching resources and not only housing. We also need GPs, schools and all that kind of stuff. Those resources are essential for good integration. I am looking at the evidence I have in respect of the kinds of supports that should be there and I have some questions in that regard.

I wish to ask the representatives of the OPW about the 500 modular units. In addition to all of the work the Department is taking on, it is also going to take on responsibility for the ownership of modular units and their future use. How is that going to work? How much are those modular units going to cost? What is the lifespan of those units?