Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Like the previous speaker, I have questions about the fact that these facilities are not yet available, even though they were supposed to be made available after the summit. We look forward to them being made available as soon as is practically possible. We have been told that funding is not an issue. I would like to see that proven by virtue of the facilities being put in place. Houses should be purchased using the Housing First approach. I remind the House that this problem is not confined to Dublin. I understand the Minister of State will meet representatives of the Midlands Simon Community next week to discuss a funding shortage it is facing at its facilities in Tullamore and Athlone. I implore the Minister of State to meet the funding deficit that exists because it cannot be met from the locality. The Midlands Simon Community provides the only emergency services that are available in Athlone and Tullamore. It is imperative that they be supported. The Minister of State has said this is not an issue. He can prove that by meeting the shortfall that exists. I expect him to do so.

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