Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

The statement issued by the Department announced that, via the VECs, the Department would immediately take over the provision of the service for refugees. I presume that means from 1 August. If that is the case why was the IVEA approached to come into the Department about this matter only last week? What additional funding will be provided to the VECs? What funding over and above that provided to IILT will be given to the VECs? Surely it will cost more money if it is to be mainstreamed rather than continue as the pilot scheme in place to date.

Why have the VECs not yet been given any indication of the additional funding that will be provided? They must have this service in place within less than a month. Is it not the case that, because of the lack of adequate funds, funding will be taken away from the training and education of the indigenous population to support this scheme?

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