- Opinion
- 25 Jul 17
The LGBT Helpline has been threatened with closure due to funding problems.
The LGBT Helpline will cease to operate on 31 July should the necessary funding not be allocated to it.
The funding necessary to allow this service continue operating is relatively small in the grand scheme of things. It’s annual budget is approximately €132,000 of which €88,000 comes from Pobal and the remaining €44,000 from the HSE.
The allocation of €22,000 would give the organisation breathing space to allow it continue operating beyond 31 July 31 and successfully apply for additional funding.
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Equality Fiona O’Loughlin TD has called on the Government to set aside the necessary resources to save the LGBT Helpline.
"The Government needs to make this a reality. The LGBT Helpline has been undertaking stellar work for many years. It has provided an invaluable service to the LGBT community and has worked to promote inclusion," Fiona O’Loughlin TD tells Hot Press.
"It has recently come to my attention that the Helpline is facing closure due to problems it is experiencing in securing funding. This is a deeply unfortunate situation and I believe the Government needs to step in to allow the service to continue to operate in the months ahead.
“The LGBT Helpline is an important service and every effort should be made to allow it to continue operating. The Government needs to do the decent thing and intervene in this situation."