Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

In an editorial last week, it claimed the decision of the Health Service Executive to withdraw funding for the women's refuge in south Dublin for victims of domestic violence is a disgrace and should be reversed immediately. I do not want to pile it all on the Minister of State but this is a serious issue. On a day when the Health Service Executive is applauding its new chief executive, it must be able to respond to this situation. If funding is not made available, if this building reverts to South Dublin County Council and if the RAPID funding is returned, those involved in the campaign for the refuge claim the project will never happen. This would be a shame.

I hope the Department of Health and Children, under the leadership of the Tánaiste and the Ministers of State, including Deputy Brian Lenihan, who is present, will help us. The women of Tallaght seek the assistance of the Department in this regard and I hope it will be forthcoming.

See this speech in context