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

My information is that the board of Time 4 Us made a decision to cease the service from 31 March, that issues of governance and board membership were key aspects of that decision and that there were concerns about staff in terms of weekend service provision. That said, I hear what the Deputies are saying. In particular, Deputy Connolly referred to how there were barristers and psychologists who were willing to serve on the board. That there were two positive reviews of the service is helpful information for me.

As the Deputies can imagine, I am concerned about how family breakdowns are stressful for children. Anything that can be done to assist them and their families in that context should have our support. The question is one of how to do that.

Deputy Connolly asked whether we could re-examine the matter. Deputies Naughton and Ó Cuív suggested a face-to-face meeting. I will commit to calling to arrange a meeting with members of the board - I will also ask Tusla to join us - in order to re-examine the situation and discuss the Deputies' points. I will revert to the Deputies subsequently.

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