John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy has asked a number of questions. There is no dispute over the figure of €143,000 as compared to the cost of care provided by the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation. I acknowledge the value of care provided by the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation. I dispute the Deputy's contention about availability of comparative information. That information is available.

Naturally, when we consider the €1.6 billion that is now provided to support people with disabilities, that is the main frame for the review. I do not want to use the review in the context of a money saving exercise - it is far from that. It is an attempt to ensure that the €1.6 billion that is being provided provides the maximum level of care. The review is not all about value for money or savings. It is also about policy. It is very important in the context of what the Deputy just said and in particular by the way of the services being provided by the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation that we also look at the proposal by way of direct payment to families and clearly this is part of the policy review.

I must accept the point the Deputy makes that in comparison to the cost to the State of the care provided by the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation, the jury is certainly in on that one - the value is far greater. The review proposals are not long term - they will be with the Department by June. In the meantime, I intend, with the departmental officials, to meet not just representatives of the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation, but also many other providers to ensure they are involved in the review.

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