Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On Deputy Michael McGrath's first question, as he will be aware, the committees are only being set up. There is not yet a date for the Committee Stage of that. Obviously, when the committees are set up, whatever will be the date of Committee Stage is an issue which the relevant committee will decide on.

On the second point the Deputy raised regarding Console, obviously we would all be concerned about reports in the media this morning regarding a leading charity which, I understand, will be dealt with further by RTE tonight. It is essential, as Deputy Michael McGrath stated, that confidence is maintained in the NGO sector. We now have the Charities Regulatory Authority. The HSE has finalised an audit into the Console agency. I can say the HSE has confirmed that it has received no complaints about the important suicide prevention and family support services provided by Console.

These services will not be affected but there is the question of gardaí being involved, with further investigation to be done by the charities regulator and bringing information together relating to the issue.

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