Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

It is scandalous. This goes against all trade union agreements that allow for forewarning and an opportunity for negotiations to take place. The decision was taken, the axe has fallen and any discussions that will take place will be post factum. There is little likelihood of them being successful in keeping the shelter open.

I am not happy such an event should occur in my constituency. Cedar House is located in the heart of Dublin city. There are a multitude of problems there with people from the young to the elderly to those with various disabilities who, for a variety of reasons, are homeless and sleeping rough. A decision has been made to close a facility which did a fantastic job under the aegis of the Salvation Army. The Minister of State should reverse the decision until such time as alternative accommodation can be provided for the people affected and proper negotiations have been held with the employees and their trade union representatives.

See this speech in context