Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate and thank the Minister and Minister of State. Like other Deputies, I lobbied the Minister for the reintroduction of the LIS, which has benefited many families, communities and local authorities throughout the country. We saw the reintroduction of the scheme in 2017, with an allocation of approximately €17.5 million, while in 2018, there was €20.8 million. In a cost-benefit analysis, the value of the scheme outweighs the work that is being done. People have benefited from the LIS in every area of the country.

There could never be enough money for the LIS. Having attended meetings and spoken with local councillors and communities, however, I know there is a need for more money. Is funding available in any other Department that may be surplus to requirement? The Government might consider allocating additional funding to the LIS because there is great value for the money that is spent, as I am sure the Acting Chairman will have seen in his constituency in County Roscommon. People have benefited enormously as a result of the scheme and I ask the Minister of State to comment in that regard.

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