Mr. David Kelly:

We never had any policy of underfunding, as it was characterised. As the Cathaoirleach mentioned, local authorities will put out a tender for services and organisations will respond with a suggested cost. The local authority will engage in the procurement process and be satisfied that the organisation has the capacity and expertise and that value for money is being provided. One of the things that has come through in the regulatory reports is the responsibility of boards to ensure that the services are being adequately budgeted and that there is sufficient oversight in terms of the procurement process.