Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Coppinger is right that it was controversial. It was not a universally popular decision and I am aware of that. I discerned it carefully. The Deputy is absolutely right in that there is a major challenge here. I have been describing to her and to Deputy Rabbitte earlier how this issue in particular is a key concern of mine, and I have already done a number of things in terms of bringing together some of the stakeholders and making a commitment to working closely with my Cabinet colleague in this regard.

I am also very aware of some of the issues in respect of SONAS housing association. I did a great deal of research and work with it earlier in my career, so I am aware and I am appalled, as the Deputy identified, to hear that in those circumstances the alternative for women and children is to stay where they are, which is not a good thing either. I am deeply concerned by that. We have only a certain amount of time. Judge us on what we manage to do. I am happy to be judged on that.

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