Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In terms of some of the issues Deputy Rabbitte raised in her second question, in terms of a multi-annual granting programme approach, that is certainly what was done in recent years, with the support of philanthropy. It is much more challenging when we do not necessarily have that kind of philanthropic support but I would be very much in favour of advocating for that.

Regarding the 13 sites, one of the aspects we are looking at in regard to the evaluations is whether we should continue to fund all 13 sites at the same level. Should we only fund those sites in the context of what are deemed to be effective services? Are there other areas that also require that kind of funding? I assure the Deputy that I would be very committed to an area-based approach to the reduction of child poverty and encouraging the potential of our young people to achieve what they wish to achieve, whoever they are and wherever they come from.

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