John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was at a meeting on this issue at the early stages of the crisis. Extensive consideration was given to the issue of centres in local authorities and if there was sufficient capacity. The population of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is around 250,000. Some local authorities, like my own, have a population of 100,000 while others have 60,000. There is not a uniform, one-size-fits-all solution. In some population centres, we need more than one. I recall from that meeting that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is not the only one and that there are two or three. What was discussed at that particular meeting, with a view to being brought to the Cabinet subsequently, was the plans in place to fill the gaps in the local authority areas where there is not either a centre provided or an arrangement with an adjoining local authority area with capacity.

I will get the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, to respond directly to the Deputy.

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