Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I accept the Senator's frustration and the fact that there is nothing concrete in my reply to give him or the people in St. Michael's House any solace. With regard to the specific request made by the Senator, which was for funding for transport for people availing of day services, this is an issue not just for St. Michael's House but for a number of different centres where transport is an issue and is not funded.When it goes back to the service provider to fund it, we can reduce the overall quantum of services available, which proves to be a difficulty. It is an issue we will have to address in the collective. I will convey the Senator's request to my officials and the HSE to re-examine the case of St. Michael's House. However, it is a wider issue and we will have to examine it nationwide.