John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that the Deputy was in the Chamber and his interest in this issue. To make the point specifically, the Deputy spoke about WALK and issues in terms of funding. While he might not have an opportunity to debate this fully today it can be debated and it may also form part of the recommendations. One of the issues touched on today is where all the pilots are going and how they are developing. The whole purpose of a pilot is that if it is successful it should become a national scheme, and we will have a view on this. While the Deputy was not here today that point is not lost and it will be debated further.

I invite Dr. Joanne McCarthy to speak. She does not have to address all of the issues, only those on which she feels has a comment or insight, because we have four witnesses.