Mr. Martin Corcoran:

To reply to Deputy Kerrane, the running theme here relates to referrals, which are the key problem. It is very important for us to have that working well because we need that provision of services. There are a couple of measures that we see that would improve that volume of referrals, which is key. For example, a participant may claim for a partner and there is no provision for them to refer to Tús because they are not accountable to the social welfare system. They are being claimed for by somebody else. Therefore, they are not eligible to come on Tús at any point until they open a claim in their own right. That would free many referrals and it would really improve the volume.

Another aspect relates to people who are over 55 and that bit closer to retirement. There should be a provision that anybody on the Tús scheme should be allowed to stay on, if they so wish, in conjunction with the Tús supervisor. That is a key element relating to experience and provision of services because the services provided are fundamental to many end users, such as meals on wheels. Many people depend on that service. Much of this is operational and in some cases it may be nearly cost-neutral. It is something the Department of Social Protection must look at in order to increase the volume of referrals. It would go a long way to addressing that.