Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

It does not make sense that there would be a strategy for First 5 and so much focus on early learning and school-age care if, as soon as they leave the school building or become teenagers, young people are not given the same supports. There was an increase of €8 million in the budget this year. Some €100 million has been spent. There was an allocation of €72 million in 2008 and we are now at €85 million. Will Ms Cunningham speak to the budget situation as it is now? I suppose it makes her feel this area is still not being prioritised if there is no implementation plan and if there is not the same budget for services.