Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My questions are not dissimilar to those asked by Deputy Sherlock. I take umbrage at the word "average". I am trying to work out the cost of having a child in a Tusla service compared to having one in a private residential service. As far as I am concerned, "average" is too broad a term. I am trying to ascertain which provides the best value. I accept the Minister is going to provide us with that information, but she can understand where we are coming from when we hear the word "average". It is a fair understanding. I was doing the sums and €2.5 million a week could be spent to provide the support, which nobody denies is needed, but we are asking if subbing it out provides the best value for money or if there should be more investment in residential care provided by Tusla. The questions are based on a planning perspective going forward. What I said is more of a statement because I know the Minister is going to provide the information.