David Norris (Independent)

I received information on it. It seems to have been an energetic, positive and constructive meeting. I ask the Minister of State to work with those people. A committee has been formed to try to rescue Bethany House. The Minister of State should let it do it. If, as its membership believe, it is a matter of refurbishment, this could be done. The local community could be energised and the resources would not be wasted.

My original informant is a man with a degree in nursing. He is incandescent about this. It contradicts all good nursing practice. For goodness sake, the Minister of State should try to intervene. I know how difficult it is but I know the Minister of State is a woman of good will. She should try to see if this decision, which was denied, can at least be put in cold storage to allow the committee to get something done. In Carlow, with the goodwill and support of the community, they can rescue this facility. One of the residents is 97 years old and was streaming with tears. That is a terrible thing and the Minister of State should give them a chance to bring it back to life.