Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I get that and I thank Mr. Wolfe. The point is that I want to get an understanding of the decision-making processes that operate within the Department. We heard this morning from the representatives of healthcare workers about broken promises and the litany of correspondence relating to childcare needs that went unanswered. We also heard in the preceding session from the professional bodies. They stated that there had been absolutely no consultation regarding the so-called home supports scheme. Anybody who has an inkling about childcare knew as soon as that scheme was announced that it was not going to work. Earlier one of the Department's speakers indicated that there was no time to consult. Did anybody at senior level in the Department say that this was a bonkers scheme that would not work? Did anybody at a senior level say that the scheme would not work without the insurance and other supports that would be required and, therefore, that the Department should not be raising the expectations of our most important workers, those in the healthcare sector, by announcing the scheme?