Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator will understand that there are certain elements of this that I cannot discuss at present but I hope that we will have a resolution and that the details will become more public in the coming days and weeks. The priority has always been - and should continue to be until we reach the end of this process - ensuring that the services remain in place whether that be through a different organisation or the consolidation of some of them into other areas. It is also extremely important that there is continuous work with those who have provided the counselling service within Console and that they do not feel abandoned. A great deal of work has gone into ensuring that they are engaged with and that they know what is happening throughout this process.

Most importantly, in the aftermath of this saga we must ensure that the charities sector is properly regulated. During the debate in the Dáil last evening, I very much welcomed the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality's move to commence section 4 of the Act. I welcome the additional funding that will allow these acts to take place with additional staff and funding. In particular, we need to look at section 38 and 39 agencies so a review is under way of the 40 charities that are currently funded through section 38. Over 2,000 charities are funded under section 39, so there also needs to be a review in this regard. I thank the Senator for raising the issue.