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

I am disappointed with the Minister's response. Those who work in the service with whom I have spoken were disappointed to be given notice to clear out the accommodation by 14 January. Where will Tusla continue providing such supports? I do not know what planet the Minister is living on to say that the families residing at the Cuan Álainn centre have "pressing housing needs" that local authorities are best placed to address. We have a housing crisis. Families are going into emergency accommodation at this very moment. The Minister's response was unbelievable.

The key role played by Cuan Álainn should have been recognised. Indeed, more centres should have been provided in other areas so that families coming from emergency accommodation could have been assessed. Such accommodation can be difficult as the families have young children and many of them are coming from violent backgrounds. They were able to go to Cuan Álainn, which supported them and provided psychiatric services. Pieta House provided supports and linked people with local authorities to try to get them housed. The referrals are coming from the HSE, the Garda and emergency services. Unlike what the Minister has claimed, it is not a midway service. It is important.

I am disappointed. I have tabled questions for Question Time with the Minister next week. I will try to find out more information and revert to him then. The centre only needs €300,000 to keep going. More centres should be put in place instead of services being withdrawn.

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