Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister alluded to the fact that previously 60% of the funding was there to put in place the bricks and mortar. At least we now have the infrastructure in place. We can build on that and reinvest to ensure the infrastructure is properly and adequately used. I agree with the Minister's plans to extend the ECCE scheme, which is a good scheme and warrants extension. I was somewhat concerned when the Minister mentioned the large scale savings made in regard to direct payments at the time the €1,000 scheme was abolished and that the new scheme is only costing €160 million. Will the Minister confirm the protection of the core payments of child benefit which is very important? People have come to expect that payment.

It is great the early years strategy will be measurable and that clear targets and a timeframe will be set. The Minister failed to refer to the estimated resource package she hopes to put in place. One can have targets and a framework but as we all know, if the resources are not in place, they will not be implemented.