Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that there would not be a better answer. It is more about considering the impact if the funding is not renewed. The other two-year programme the Taoiseach mentioned is probably similar because this one starts in the second last year of school. I am greatly concerned about the people who have entered the programme; if the funding ceases in December they will not be able to complete it. In essence 556 people have been supported with a relatively small budget and a small staff, and over 60% of them now are in jobs or careers. Without the programme they might have just entered day services and probably would not have the confidence to attain employment. With four and a half years' experience it would be an absolute crying shame if it were not to be refunded. We can sit down and discuss the extent of that funding but it absolutely must be sustained where it is and maybe rolled out more extensively in the future especially as the country is awash with money.

I take this opportunity to wish you all well. It is not that we will not be working we - will all be working very hard - but it is the last day that we meet for an engagement like this, so enjoy the recess.

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