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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Sensational Kids funding gap

Summary

Deputy Ó Fearghaíl raised the stalled national child development centre in Kildare after Department of Justice funding stopped mid-project. The Taoiseach said the situation was unsatisfactory and would involve the relevant Ministers and officials immediately.

In Kildare, Sensational Kids is a social enterprise that provides assessment of needs and a range of therapies for children. It is also operational in counties Monaghan, Mayo and Cork. Approximately two years ago, on foot of a commitment of €9.5 million from the Department of justice's IIP programme, complemented by local fundraising, Sensational Kids commenced construction of a national child development centre on a site it had bought in Kildare town. A year ago, having drawn down half of the IIP money, the Department of justice ceased the flow of funds, and the builder departed the site while still owed over €600,000. Today, a year later, the site stands idle with no commitment forthcoming for the release of the balance of the IIP funding or for any additional capital funding from the HSE or any other State source. I have a simple question. Will the Taoiseach refer this crisis situation for consideration to the disability unit established by him, in his Department, in order to find a resolution to this critical matter?

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I will do that. This is extremely unsatisfactory. Is the Deputy saying that the building is half up?

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Heads need to come together from different Departments to make sure something can be done. I will talk to the Minister for Justice, the Minister of State with responsibility for special education and the Minister for Health. I will ask officials in my Department to bring a report to me as quickly as possible. This is not good enough.

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