Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I also raise the issue of Carmichael House which, it was announced at the weekend, may have to close. This house, which accommodates 46 important support groups which help needy people, is under threat of closure because it needs funding of €300,000. On 17 May last the Taoiseach opened Carmichael House, wished those working there well and congratulated them on the work they are doing. The same Taoiseach is now standing over the possibility of the house closing. The Minister for Social and Family Affairs has promised to provide funding but the house needs additional funding from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. I ask the Leader to ensure that Carmichael House gets this essential funding, not just for the next six months but on an annual basis, to ensure that the work of the organisations who use the house can continue.