Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Nolan but she should give us some credit. Following eight years of continuous decline in funding in this sector, we have made the first ever investment of this nature. Not only have we made an investment for this year with the €36 million, but we have indicated that we will meet the demographic pressures in the coming two years, something that has not happened under the funding model for the past eight years. Moreover, we have committed to sitting down and, in particular, looking at employers. The Cassells report considered employers as potential contributors to the investment we need in the sector. We need to work out a feasible investment plan that will offer sustainable growth in this sector.

I recognise the urgency. I know that the Joint Committee on Education and Skills is examining how we can develop a sustainable model. Models to address the problem are available. They will be part of a longer-term solution. However, we are also looking at the medium term and the immediate things we can do to ensure we put the sector in a stronger position. I welcome suggestions on how we can get better impact from the money in this area. That is important too because we are competing with health, housing and all the other demands. We have to ensure that our money leverages outcomes for people. That is what we are seeking to do in designing the instruments we are using.

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