Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Senator, and as always I am delighted to balance things out by having somebody else from the Kingdom at any committee I attend. I am delighted to be here in the Senator's company.

With regard to some of the points he has raised, the last one was around early years staff, funding, moneys and all of that. I have said it previously; the committee that makes the decision here is an independent one. I absolutely respect that. The Government has put €45 million on the table to ensure there are increased salaries and wages for those who work in this sector. They are incredibly important in the delivery of the service. It is my absolute ambition and wish, although I recognise the independence, that every last penny of that €45 million will go to the purpose for which it has been ring-fenced. I respect the independence and the decision-making process there but I would say that 100 times over. No matter how many additional places we provide or how much we cut fees for parents, if we do not have the staff to run the service, we are going nowhere.

On the €200 and the commitment that has been given, it has been given as a commitment over the lifetime of this Government. We have a fee freeze in place, as the Senator will be aware, and for the first time a fee cap is being introduced, which is a significant step forward. For many average families, who will be paying €325 for full-time care, that is reduced to €295, and when the subsidies are included, it is less than €200 per week. It is a step forward, mindful that there will be a number of steps to follow.

On foster care, I absolutely agree with the Senator's point that it is a hugely valuable and important service. I have met with their national representatives and people who, as individuals, are providing foster care as well. I acknowledge the phenomenal record from the family at home who were mentioned, with their long service. Many families are like that. They give incredible long service. The programme for Government makes a number of commitments to support foster carers as well. I know the Senator referenced the increase in the money and the 21%. It was actually a 21% increase on budget 2024 for the foster care allowance. I do not underestimate the importance of that, and there is a further commitment in the programme for Government to do more. We are also seeking to introduce more and more people into it, and to do that, a new initial placement payment is being offered as well. In the programme for Government, there is also a commitment around the pension, which is very important.

On the issues with the back-to-school allowance, I hear what the Senator is saying about the administrative burden that is there, mental health supports and all of that. I am engaging with them nationally to see what potential we have.

I do not underestimate the very valuable service they provide and I will do all that I can to support existing ones and to bring more into the system as well.