Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We know the protection of our children is vital for the future of our country. Mar a deirtear, is todhchaí na tíre iad ár leanaí. We are failing some of our most vulnerable children. On Monday I visited Sligo with our local area representatives Nessa Cosgrove and Bernie Linnane. I visited an important childcare and family support service, Sligo Springboard Family Support Service, which is based in Cranmore in Sligo town. It has provided vital services over the past 20 years for local children and families in a disadvantaged area. The services it provides include a bus service to and from school, a breakfast club and an after school and homework club. Its work has led to a consistent increase in school attendance in the area. Due to a chronic lack of funding at present it does not have enough money to cover the costs of running the service. Facing any increase in heating bills or energy bills or any unforeseen cost is a constant source of worry. At present 32 children are engaged with the service. Any reduction in the provision of the service will have a seriously detrimental impact for the children and their families. The service has asked me to raise with the Government why such a trusted early intervention service-----

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