Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I appreciate what she said with regard to services being expected to reopen in August and September, which would be very welcome, and what she said with regard to a portal on which people can clearly see which services are reopened. This will also be welcome.

On 17 July, the Covid committee was told some services may not open until December or January. Where did this information come from? Many people have contacted me about this and all Deputies will have had queries on it. Many people do not seem to have had contact from their service provider. The Minister of State has said she has not been told anyone is opening later than August or September. What advice does she have for people who still have not heard from their service provider or have been told it will open later, for example, December or January? What can people and families do in this situation? What practical advice can the Minister of State give them? I ask her to address the issue of the additional funding that will be needed. We all know the sector was underfunded anyway and additional funding was needed well before Covid. Will the Minister of State give a clear answer on additional funding?

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