Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I thank the Senator. Fortunately or unfortunately - I do not know which - we do not have responsibility for child benefit, the payment of which comes under the Department of Social Protection. Projects relating to languages, crèches and similar child supports which are very specific to those who come from countries other than Ireland, can apply for funding. Their applications will have a greater chance of being successful as a result of the fact that they will no longer be required to raise so much additional funding themselves. We all know that the groups to which I refer are encountering difficulties in trying to raise money in order that they might attract matching funding. I return to what I said about the overcrowding we have witnessed and the fact that children are living in unsuitable conditions. Ultimately, it must always be about speeding up the process and regularising the lives of those involved. The latter will have a greater impact than anything else.