I address my question to the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan. The programme for Government makes a commitment to enhancing justice facilities and services. This is the third time I have asked the Minister this question. Can he give me a date for the opening of the west Cork protective services unit in Bandon? As he knows, premises have been earmarked. On two other occasions he told me he would come back to me with a date, but he did not. I have tabled parliamentary questions and I have been sent from the Garda authorities to the OPW but I still do not have a date. Money does not solve everything, but in this case it does. It is just a matter of funding. Great premises have been located and we just need the money to open the unit. I ask the Minister to give me a date today. It might be third time lucky.

As on previous occasions, I would be happy to revert to the Deputy on the issue. There are issues involved here which are not immediately under my control. I am not in a position to give the Deputy a date, as I stated on the last occasion. However, I am prepared to offer any assistance and support to her constituency issue with a view to ensuring that she has a date at the earliest opportunity. As on previous occasions when the matter was raised like this, let me say that I will be in contact with the Deputy before close of business this afternoon offering the assistance of the Department of Justice and Equality over issues that are within my remit and control.