John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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We absolutely see the need for the regulator and the work it does in ensuring there is regulation and all the standards are adhered to, but in some cases it is construed that there is heavy-handedness in the approach taken. I do a lot of work with organisations that help the homeless, and I am sure others do as well. There was a brilliant organisation in my constituency that was set up by a local woman, Colette Talbot, called Together for Homeless. They came into the city centre on a weekly basis and helped feed up to 250 homeless people. They were fully compliant with food safety regulations and all of that. They got a letter from the regulator completely out of the blue and were told them to cease operation.

That organisation was not an isolated case; there were a number of other similar organisations carrying out voluntary work and receiving small donations to help feed the homeless. That lady was threatened with imprisonment or a fine of up to €30,000 unless they ceased operation immediately. Unfortunately, they had to cease operation. There are 250 people who were receiving food on a weekly basis now not receiving that service.

The organisation came at it from a very charitable perspective. They saw a need and serviced that need, which is unfortunately still there and growing on a daily basis. Together for Homeless and a number of other organisations like it were forced to cease operating because of what I deem a heavy-handed approach. Could Ms Delaney speak to the approach taken in situations like that?