Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. In the past, the HSE promised the centre funding for a specific number of staff and 40 children and operational costs, which never materialised. Instead, it reduced funding by €300,000 in the past five years. Had the commitment been honoured, it would have given an additional €191,000 for 2014. The Minister could investigate whether the HSE reneged on a commitment. Alternatively, Tusla could redirect some of its funding. The question whether the Department can provide additional funding is very important because we have the most vulnerable children and the social consequences if they and their families do not have such support would be very significant. We need urgent action. I heard the Minister say he would try to get as many people as possible involved to try to find a solution. It is imperative we find a solution. This is not the only problem we have with crèches. I mentioned the Ballymun crèche earlier. Other problems arise because of how funding is directed.

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