Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

I wish to ask the Taoiseach about the fire services Bill in the context of the issues that more stringent fire safety regulations are posing for childcare facilities and community centres. He will be aware that the community centres in Hartstown and Huntstown are facing substantial bills because of these regulations. If they do not find €100,000 each, they will be under threat. On 1 October last, when I asked the Taoiseach on Leaders' Questions whether he would establish a national fund, he stated that it was a good idea and that he would consider it. Unfortunately, he has not established such a fund. He stated in October that "Funds are available" and that "the amount for Hartstown has been settled". The latest news is that these two community centres can claim from the Dormant Accounts Fund and get approximately 20% of what they need. Does the Taoiseach think it is acceptable that hard-pressed communities have to raise €200,000 in funds to meet 80% of the cost of keeping community centres open? We spoke earlier about an absentee former Deputy who was double-jobbing for two years and who rocked up to the House in order to save the bacon of the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.

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His two years' wages would sort this out. Will the Taoiseach guarantee to the communities of Hartstown and Huntstown that these will be sorted out very quickly and that it will not be left to them to raise the money?

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