Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and her officials. This whole area is one in which there are huge paybacks for individuals and society on a long-term basis. Funding for the range of services provided by the Department gives considerable value for money. Figures suggest that for every €1 spent on such services, the payback is of the order of €10. From the point of view of communities, individuals and families, the payback is enormous. In the circumstances, if one were to accept the cutback ethos, there is a case to be made for this Department to be free of cuts because of the huge advantages it will provide to individuals and to society over a long number of years.

I agree with the two previous speakers on the need for the child and family support agency. Perhaps the Minister will explain the position in regard to legislation and funding for the agency in the coming year.

I refer to two areas in which I have a particular interest. I am involved in the preschool and domestic violence areas. As a director of the Elm Park area child care committee in Clonmel I welcome the fact that the ECCE scheme is being continued, but I ask the Minister to ensure it is properly funded as it provides a huge service to communities and particularly to disadvantaged communities throughout the country. I am also a director of Cuan Saor, which is a domestic violence information and refuge service in south Tipperary. That organisation is under particular strain and there are indications of significant cutbacks in services and in the funding provided. Perhaps the Minister will comment.

Youth organisations provide essential services, particularly in RAPID areas and deprived communities. Will the Minister indicate the level of funding for general youth services in 2013?