Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

How are decisions made regarding the allocation of these contracts and funding? I have previously asked the Minister about the terms and conditions placed on service providers and about how the tendering process operates. In her lengthy written reply to me, the Minister mentioned a contract given to Jonix in 2008. Other organisations provide similar services, but no contracts were made with them. In her reply of 4 June the Minister also stated that the Department had no contract with preschool providers and it is essentially, as she reiterated today, between the parents and the relevant provider. How can it be the case that more than €3.2 million was paid to service providers who must adhere to certain conditions to qualify when the Minister states that she has no contract with them?

What is the delay in publishing the policy report of the National Council for Special Education which was recommended by the Ombudsman for Children?

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