Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

If I miss anything in the time available to me, the Deputy might come back to me on it.

Regarding foster carers and the pension, there is a commitment in that regard in the programme for Government. Obviously, it is not within my gift to deliver but, rather, that of the Minister for Social Protection. However, there is an absolute commitment in this regard. I appreciate the Deputy's preference in terms of the mechanism. That will be a matter for the Minister to decide but there is an absolute commitment to achieve it and it is fair and right that we do so.

The issue regarding special care is on foot of a High Court order. I have been honest right from the start in saying there have been significant challenges in terms of getting the appropriate level of staff in place and everything else. I am pleased to confirm that, as at 5 June, no children were awaiting a special care bed. While this is positive progress, it is not at all to say that we do not need to do much more in the space of attracting people into this area of work. The new special care category that has been agreed with the Department of public expenditure is positive. The work Tusla is doing to attract staff from abroad is also indicating positively.

Regarding pay for early years workers and the provision of €45 million, I absolutely acknowledge that the Deputy has been stringent on this issue and her view is very similar to mine. The €45 million is on the table and is for a singular purpose, which is to do with funding for workers. If that is not done, I will have to consider what we can do as we go forward. I am being really clear on that. I will have to look at core funding and what we must do to move forward. That is my personal view as Minister but I have to respect the independence of the committee to make its own decisions.

In terms of red tape, a review is ongoing with a view to minimising it. Our purpose is to make things easier, not more difficult, as we go forward.

I will get back to the Deputy on the other points she raised.