Dr. Fergal Lynch:

I will deal with the questions in order, if I may. With regard to Pobal, we have regularly questioned the most appropriate way of delivering the services. Ours is a relatively small Department, even though it has grown. We had a major policy decision to make as to how to run the schemes. In recent years, for the moment at least, we have decided that the best way to do so is through Pobal, which provides a good service. We have a strong governance arrangement with it. In the context of administration costs relative to others, we have looked into the matter and are clear that the administration costs are good. Pobal is a non-profit organisation. We believe the administrative costs that it incurs are reasonable. Obviously, we push very strongly each year in terms of the amount of money we would pay the organisation to operate the schemes for us.

We are planning, in the next year or less, to have a major review and analysis of our schemes and how we run and deliver the early-years schemes. As has been pointed out, the expenditure in this area now accounts for nearly 40% of the Department's Vote, certainly 35%. There are questions to be asked in this regard. For example, should the work be done by another State agency? Should it all be run by Tusla? Should there be a separate entity altogether? Should the work be taken into the Department, and so on? We will be considering this and of the role of the community childcare schemes and of anyone involved in delivery in that regard. We would like to get it right. Obviously, we are focused on other things at the moment, particularly the national childcare scheme.