Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I must reluctantly say that the Minister's answer was disappointing. It has been brought to her attention that this is an essential service. We cannot do without it. Indeed, it should be rolled out nationally. Of the reasons given, finance was not one. It is run on a shoestring budget. Staffing was not mentioned as a problem. Four staff run it. There were no difficulties at the weekend. The primary difficulty related to the governance structure, that is, covering the weekend.

Any number of people with adequate legal and psychological skills as well as other skills would serve on the board. That is not a difficulty. Rather, the problem is with the governance structure. Only three directors are necessary. Some want to retire, with which I do not have a difficulty. They have done a good job. The Minister is standing over the closure of this service because of a small problem with a governance structure. Tusla has to step in and recognise that it must provide active support at the weekend. Rarely does a problem arise. We asked about all of this. Will the Minister re-examine the matter and revert to us?

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