Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

When the Minister introduced the changes to the lone parent allowance, she indicated she would move to a Scandinavian model. When the child benefit was cut earlier this year, she also said the money would be spent in that way. The savings made in either or both areas do not amount the pilot scheme figure to date. Have the savings made as a result of the changes made to lone parent allowance and the savings made from the child benefit cut been ring-fenced to ensure the full delivery of the 6,000 plus after-school places that are required?

It was logical from the start that a three year community employment programme would be put in place to allow for the scheme. There were indications last year that some people were not managing to fulfil the FETAC level 5 course because the time ran out and they had to seek extensions that were not always granted. I welcome that news.

See this speech in context