Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I am replying on behalf of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. I thank and congratulate Deputy O'Connor for raising this matter as it provides me with an opportunity to outline to this House the current position regarding the opening of a women's refuge in Tallaght, Dublin 24. I reassure the Deputy that the matter will receive a great degree of attention in both the Department and the Health Service Executive. I take issue with the local journal cited by the Deputy, in that it is not a question of cutbacks but a question of providing funding for a new project.

The Deputy is aware that the management and delivery of health and personal social services is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004.

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