Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Finian McGrath that these are genuine people. I have met them. When I stated earlier that an external mediator had been appointed I meant an "external mentor” had been appointed. This mentor will complete the report by mid-July 2014. My objective is the same as Deputy McGrath’s, to ensure the development of a sustainable model of service delivery into the future.

The Child and Family Agency, as one of a number of State funders of the centre, agreed and has made additional pre-payments to the end of August to Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service Limited. This is in addition to previous pre-payments advanced for May and June. This will be of assistance to the centre and is designed to allow the necessary time and space to examine the issues involved in greater detail.

I agree with Deputy McGrath about the importance of the centre. When he says I do not get it, he is not reflecting the accurate position on the ground, in correspondence and from my deliberation with Deputies involved. I would be happy to continue to engage with Deputy McGrath on this issue because I am anxious that this centre has a viable future having regard to the great work it is doing throughout the north Dublin area.

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