I refer to St. Vincent's Care Centre in Athlone. I ask the Leader to request the Minister for Health to come to the Chamber, at his earliest convenience, to explain what the situation is at the centre. News broke overnight that the residents of the centre were being evacuated by ambulance to Birr, Longford and care centres elsewhere. The reason given for doing so was serious electrical issues in the centre in Athlone. Since news broke I know that Deputy Robert Troy's office has been inundated with telephone calls. They expressed genuine concerns and fear that the centre would remain closed, as happened in the past when other care centres were closed down for similar reasons. We all treat the health and safety of every individual in society with the utmost importance. If there is a health and safety issue in this instance, it must be addressed.

I would like the Minister to come to the House to reassure us. I know that Deputy Robert Troy is meeting him today, but I believe he should come to this House to give an assurance to the families who are greatly inconvenienced and have to travel to visit their loved ones in Birr, Longford and other areas. They need reassurance and a statement from the Minister that this problem will be solved as soon as possible. He also needs to give an assurance that this care centre will reopen. As I said, similar situations have been recorded and similar reasons were given for temporary closures of facilities which never again reopened. This is the issue that has created most fear among the families, friends and frequent visitors of the residents of this care centre. It is very important in order to put their minds at rest that the Minister come to the House to provide the reassurance that they and I need urgently.