Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, United Left) | Oireachtas source

I too heard about this issue late last Thursday evening. Many people panicked, as could be expected, and I tabled the Topical Issue matter early yesterday evening. I thank the Minister of State for the letter he sent and for responding quickly. When I asked a subsequent question, he responded to me quickly again. I rang the CDETB earlier when I realised this matter would be taken in the House to clarify its position. Mr. David Treacy said that everything was okay, and he is confident. He said that their application might have been too soft, whereas Pobal was expecting a more comprehensive response regarding where the community resources go. However, he is confident that the money is available and everything will be okay, and I hope the Minister of State will confirm this.

This is a complicated way of funding these facilities. It is provided by Pobal but the application has to go to CDETB and then to DCC before being returned to Pobal. My understanding is that there is potential to have the grant paid directly to DCC rather than going through this complicated process. While the buildings belong to the CDETB, the staff are employed by DCC. I hope we will get good news.

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