Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In relation to the files now in the hands of the HSE from a variety of adoption agencies, religious institutions and so on, will the HSE or the child and family agency have governance over these files and with whom will adoptive people have to engage?

The Minister has responded to many of my questions, some of them in writing, for which I thank her. Regarding her reference in her responses to the three year corporate plan which she is preparing and hoping to present some time early in the New Year, while I welcome the support the Minister has secured from Atlantic Philanthropies for the area-based childhood initiative in respect of which Deputy McLellan has a great interest, this funding relates to 2014 to 2016 and is finite. As I understand it, this is once-off funding. Outlay in relation to not only the establishment but sustenance of the area-based childhood initiative will be required year on year. In terms of the three year corporate plan, this funding from Atlantic Philanthropies will not be available in three years time but the need will still exist. If we are doing our work, it will have expanded. Has account been taken of this? In saying this, I am being supportive because the Department will need additional resourcing to be able to better equip itself to meet the needs of children and young people across this land. The area-based childhood programme has proven itself to be hugely successful.

I wish the successful locations good luck, but 50 applications were made and I would say all of them are deserving. The bus is departing with regard to Atlantic Philanthropies and we need to plan and make the case now because additional moneys will be required.