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

This was first brought to the attention of Tusla in September 2014 when Respond had a meeting with the agency about this issue. Its representatives flagged the fact that they would be unable to provide the €350,000 in funding to Cuan Álainn refuge centre after this year. No commitments were given by Tusla officials or anybody else but they requested that Respond keep the centre open for at least a year while they examined the issue.

The Minister referred to finances. There are two companies, Respond Housing Association and Respond Support Limited. The association looks after the maintenance of Respond housing. Their funding has been cut big time over the past number of years. They do not have the resources to provide the €350,000 needed. Respond Support Limited comprises youth services, family resources, child care and travelling programmes, and any money it gets goes directly into these services and must be accounted for. It is not a question of these companies having money to maintain services. There are only seven weeks left. I urge the Minister to make sure the refuge stays open. It is absolutely crucial for the women and children involved.

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