Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have no doubt the Senator will continue to pursue this matter and fight for the people in that community, but let us try to look at the common ground here and find a way forward. There is an acknowledgement from the HSE, the Senator and the wider community that this is an important service that we want to see continued within the community. There is also a reality that the building is deemed unsafe and the HSE says it cannot foot the bill to make it safe. We also have an offer from the HSE to the Department of Health to examine, with representatives of the group, the continuation of the services it is providing and explore the possibility of other facilities in the area that may be appropriate. I have no doubt the Senator and that group will engage with the HSE. It is important that we bang heads together to see if a way forward can be found. From the Senator recalling the events, I have no doubt that the services are very important. I welcome the opportunity for the HSE to engage with the group. I will convey the Senator's thoughts and the transcript of this debate to the Minister for Health.