Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies again. I stress that my priority and that of the HSE and the Department has been and will continue to be to provide assurances regarding the continuity of the various services that are offered. These matters are not always as black and white as we would like them to be. There is a due process that needs to be followed. If a matter of concern about a particular individual or organisation is raised, those involved must be given time to respond to the issue in question. It is my understanding that many issues have been raised in this instance. It will take time for them to be considered. No funding has been provided to this charity so far this year. It is important to say that all funding has been stopped pending the investigation. Our priority must be to ensure alternative arrangements are put in place to make certain that these services do not stop. We must allow the Garda and the regulatory bodies to conduct the roles we have given them. As we know, the Charities Regulatory Authority has no role in investigating fraud. However, it can move this matter on to the relevant officials. It is with the Garda now. I think we need to allow due process to take place.

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