Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. It is particularly encouraging to hear that departmental officials will meet with the management of St. Catherine's tomorrow. It is good news that the Department of Education and Skills will now engage with those concerned.

The Minister of State is correct that our collective aim as a group of Deputies is to protect the services that are in place. I hope the meeting on Monday between the new board of directors and the parents will pave the way forward. The St. Catherine's service is unique and, therefore, it may be necessary to examine new funding methods. It may also be necessary to look at new ways for the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Health and the HSE to work together to continue to deliver some of the innovative services which make St. Catherine's a centre of excellence.

I thank the Minister of State again for his response and I look forward to us working together to protect this service in future.

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