Gabrielle McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the Minister's reply. However, the negative consequences of Tusla's abrupt withdrawal of funding from this organisation cannot be underestimated. If these services are taken away, what are we saying about our compassion for those who are living in horrific circumstances? Surely we must protect such funding rather than take it away from organisations.

On 1 January 2014, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, became an independent legal entity and its key remit was to offer support and protection to families and children. If these funding cuts to vital services represent Tusla's vision, then I plead with the Minister to keep a close eye on other Tusla changes to services which could have a detrimental impact on service users.

I urge the Minister to intervene and ensure the decision on the change of funding be reviewed. Some €49,000 is small money in the scheme of things, as the Minister spoke in his reply of funding of €19 million. The value that we receive for that €49,000 and the local knowledge cannot be measured. I urge him to intervene.

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