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

I will answer some of the issues the Deputy raised before I answer his question directly. I do not think it is necessarily the case, certainly in my Ministry, that the most vulnerable are at the bottom of the queue. I agree with the Deputy that should not be the case. I think I have done a lot in my own work, and I only have responsibility for certain things, to ensure that is not the case, particularly in the area of early childcare and school-age childcare.

I have outlined to the Deputy our willingness to step up to the plate with the not-for-profit services provided there and ensure they continue.

The Deputy has outlined the fantastic synergies that happen in the Bessborough Centre and I am absolutely a firm believer in that process. It is visionary and the centre was clearly way ahead of its time in establishing that process. I acknowledge this and thank the Deputy for outlining it in such an eloquent manner. He is right to say that the capital investment has been made but it could also give us a substantial return, particularly a social return, which is what the Deputy is asking for. The services are clearly top class, and I have looked into this since the Deputy and other colleagues have raised the matter. I am very impressed with what I have heard about the centre, so I acknowledge that a good model has developed and there is potential for more.

Tusla and other representatives are engaging with the religious order. I accept the Deputy's comment that it would be good to speak to other Ministers about this and I will do so.

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