Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Ferris for raising this important issue and I do not doubt for one minute his sincerity. I value the work voluntary organisations do. I know this myself as I came into politics through the voluntary sector. Voluntary organisations play a key role in the provision of health and social care services. It includes the areas Deputy Ferris mentioned, as well as the elderly, care of people with disabilities and supports for homeless people, domestic violence victims and migrants. As a society, we owe a debt of gratitude to those who work in the voluntary sector.

In recognition of this role, the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, has established an independent review group to consider the strengths and weaknesses of this model of service provision and the issues that arise from the public services perspective. This is where there is light at the end of the tunnel. This group is to make recommendations on how the relationship between the State and voluntary organisations should evolve in future. The Tralee Women's Resource Centre received about €600,000 since it opened in 2013. The closure of the centre highlights the relevance of this review. The Minister for Health will consider the report of the independent group when it completes its deliberations. In the meantime, the Department of Health is committed to working with voluntary organisations to improving health and social care outcomes for the vulnerable in society. I will, of course, bring the genuine concerns raised by Deputy Ferris back to the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, and the Minister of State, Deputy Catherine Byrne, and examine if there is any other way of helping if another group emerges on the scene to develop those services.

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