Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for his hospitality in allowing me to contribute. It is wonderful to see the witnesses back in the Oireachtas. The more they are here, the better we will drive the message home that DSGBV by anyone against anyone is no longer tolerable in any shape or form.

I believe it was Ms Counihan who mentioned Athlone. That issue comes across my desk regularly – my constituency is Longford-Westmeath – and I was glad to hear what Ms Counihan said.

I wish to ask Dr. Saidléar about the service development plan versus the needs assessment that has to be carried out. My understanding is that there are services the length and breadth of the country that have grown almost organically in recent decades. Without a needs assessment and a coherent strategy for investing where need arises, though, is there not a risk that services that are already established will receive additional funding while areas where there are no services will be left with none?