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

I hear the Deputy and I acknowledge that she does not believe the investment of €9 million this year is enough. Deputy Rabbitte questioned the capacity to target the funding to where it is most needed. She also asked if we miss some places because we do not have enough money or if it is possible that we just miss certain places. The Deputy stated that there is not enough funding. I accept what she is saying and there is no question but that I will continue to seek further investment. I am grateful that I was able to obtain €9 million for 2019.

The Deputy also commented on the targeting of funds. The Department and Pobal do a pretty good job in targeting the funding, with scenario analyses and the ongoing feed in from the different providers. They are not, however, always necessarily on the mark and this is why it is important for others to feed in if there are concerns. The Deputy referred to exceptional cases. The Deputy is aware that the Department is always open to hearing that and to working with providers in some way to continue to ensure their sustainability.

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