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

I thank the Deputy for those questions. The information I have on the school-age process is that the regulations are being worked on. As I understand it, they are on target. The objective is that, when we fully launch the affordable childcare scheme, it will be possible to include the groups or providers that offer services in that context.

The Deputy asked about legislation. I indicated that secondary legislation is being developed. I need to come back to her on the exact timeframe in that regard. I will be very happy to do so. I just do not have the information in front of me.

With regard to the ICT programme, there is a strict formal project management methodology. There is an executive board, a project board, an ICT subgroup, a Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection subgroup and a project operating team. We have two dedicated full-time project managers in place, one in Pobal and one in the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. They are working on the project. It is divided into 69 work streams. The project is moving forward on target and it is what we hope to pursue.

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