Mr. Tiernan O'Neill:

What is really concerning, and Mr. Cronin spoke about this, is that only a six-week window for application is being allowed each year. Children's lives do not fit into a six-week window. We have a similar context. We could have children coming to us in the middle of the year from a homeless shelter for a mid-year enrolment. There are changes in circumstances. Sadly, children are living with parents who are struggling with the pain of addiction. Things can change very quickly. It does not operate in this narrow little six-week window. It is another example of where we are more focused on gatekeeping and rationing rather than enabling children to get access to the supports they require.