Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister indicated all efforts have been made to avoid the closure but I do not accept that. The Minister does not really get what is going on at the centre, which is important. This is a child care centre with 260 young children and 99 jobs. It has been proven, as we know, that early intervention works with many at-risk children. The Minister knows the centre requires approximately €200,000 and an immediate injection of €100,000 or it will have to close. In 2012, the centre had a deficit of €65,000 and in 2013 it was €63,000. In 2014, the deficit is €200,000.

The centre has been magnificent in its fund-raising and in 2013 it brought in €112,000. The people who run this centre mean business. These are genuine people helping 260 children from disadvantaged communities. How come the Government can find €800,000 to refurbish Fine Gael headquarters?

How can the Government refurbish buildings in the Leinster House complex for the banking inquiry at a cost of between €3 million and €5 million, yet it cannot find €200,000 for a child care centre in Darndale?

Ministers talk every day about the way children were treated in the past. I challenge the Minister and the Government to treat the children of the present in a dignified, respectful manner and support this child care centre in Darndale.

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