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

I presume the briefing document supplied by the Department is an amalgamation of figures from elsewhere. It refers to €84 million to be allocated to child care programmes, including CCS and CETS. Deputy Troy believes the next programme - the child care initiative - is included in this allocation. The Deputy might confirm if that is correct. I was not certain if the area-based childhood programme might also be. I ask the Minister to offer some clarification on his Department's briefing document.

With regard to child care initiatives, there is a drop of 12% on that figure which is the next area, subhead B5. That said, I welcome the fact that provision is being made for the after-school child care scheme where the focus will be to prioritise community employment participants with preschool children. That is very important and it is in tandem with the Department of Social Protection.