Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I was also going to ask about the area-based childhood programme. The figure for last year was €3.65 million and the figure for this year is €5.8 million. Is that to counteract the withdrawal of funds by Atlantic Philanthropies? The reason for the fear for the future is the coming to an end of the Atlantic Philanthropies funding. Deputy Funchion and I are looking for an assurance that there will be a continuation of those very valuable programmes.

My other question is on the new child care scheme. When we discussed it here we talked about the fact that there is a set amount of money allocated for it for this year. Is there a possibility it could be oversubscribed so that children are qualified but there is an issue with the money available? Will there be a supplementary budget? What is the intention? Has the Department had time to consider that question because we do not want to see any children who qualify not being able to avail of it because of lack of money?