Wexford has been rocked over recent days by the announcement of the closure of the Ford Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre. It is to close its doors after 30 years of providing individuals and families in Wexford with access to affordable counselling and therapy. The closure will be an immense loss for the community. The Ford centre provided services the State failed to provide. The loss of another vital service reflects a complete lack of comprehension by the HSE and the Department of Health of the valuable and often life-saving services of voluntary and charity support services. Government multi-annual funding must be recognised and accepted as a necessity for organisations such as the Ford centre. There is a mental health epidemic in Ireland. Mental health services are on the floor and now another service has closed in County Wexford.

I am asking the Taoiseach if the funding previously allocated by the HSE to the Ford centre, although totally inadequate, will remain in Wexford. Is there to be a rescue package for the Ford centre? I ask for consideration for the 130 service users so that provision can be made elsewhere for them.

The Ford centre was mentioned to me the very first time yesterday evening by one of the Deputy's colleagues while I was dining. I am glad the Deputy has raised the issue today. There has been no correspondence with the Department. I am not sure whether there was correspondence with community healthcare organisation, CHO, 5 but I am prepared to look into it. As I said, there has been no direct correspondence with me about the Ford centre.