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

I fully appreciate that the Deputy understands this so well, not just because he is a Deputy representing his people now but because he also had my job. Therefore, he understands what is happening from the inside. He also realises the impact larger-scale grants can make. I accept his points, therefore.

I indicated in my response to other Deputies that the Department will consider the need for greater investment by way of capital grants and consider the research required to ensure the grants are provided at the appropriate scale in each local area. My understanding is that this is probably something for which we will have to wait a little longer based on the commitments I received regarding the national development plan. In the meantime, however, we are trying to ensure the capital funding we make available provides the necessary increases in places, in appropriate geographical spreads, in both community and private services to meet the needs of the people. The Deputy's people are in conversation with my officials, and that is important in respect of our planning for the future.

See this speech in context