Day-care centre may close due to lack of HSE funding

The housing association Respond says it may have to close a day-care centre for the elderly in north Dublin because of a lack of funding from the HSE.

The organisation says the Nethercross centre in Finglas has been running at a loss since 2006, with a €125,000 deficit.

It says the HSE realises there is a chronic need for services in the area, but does not appear willing to provide the necessary resources.

The HSE, however, says it has always allocated a level of funding consistent with that of other day-care centres.

It says it has been in discussions with Respond regarding its allocation for 2008 and regrets the organisation's decision to go public while talks are ongoing.