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

The delay in the ICT system is regrettable at one level, but it is really important to get this right as it will provide a sustainable platform for generations of families to come. It is one of the most ambitious ICT projects the Government is currently undertaking and will provide a model for future approaches to new ICT platforms, including the one my colleague in the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is anticipating regarding pension reform. It is very important that we get this right.

Notwithstanding this unanticipated delay, as the Deputy is aware, we have fast-tracked a number of measures from this September onwards, where families are receiving more money. The Deputy referred to the possibility that 9,000 families may not be included given the fact we are not into the absolute affordable child scheme. That was an estimate at the time. We do not expect the figure to be as high as that. We know that there are huge numbers of families and children who are receiving substantially more money as and from this September.

See this speech in context