Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

Yes, nationally. The sum of €11.6 million is the overall figure. We paid out €11 million, so €600,000 is left and the source of funding is the national lottery. Funding levels for 2005 are being considered at present in the context of the Estimates. However, health boards are being requested, on the basis of funding being available next year, to arrange further jobs which will not arise for payment until January or later. They have the flexibility to carry out some work so long as the bills are not submitted until after Christmas.

I thank the various groups involved — the task force, the health boards, FÁS and the voluntary bodies associated with the scheme — who have done much good over the years. As the Deputy mentioned the scheme now works hand in hand with the essential repairs grant and the disabled persons' grant. I do not have figures with me for County Kerry, but in the last three or four weeks the Department——

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