Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. We want to the scheme to work. That is why so much effort is going into the whole advertising element of it and much more. Regarding those who are excluded from the scheme, I absolutely understand the points that are raised by so many. However, those identified by the commission of investigation as having a main function of providing shelter and supervision from an antenatal and post-natal point of view to mothers and children were deemed to be the institutions. There will be an annual report at the end of June. There will be a review to give it its best chance in early operation and then we will see where we go from there on the basis of that review. The figure of 6,200 applications is estimated, as the Deputy said herself. I appreciate how well informed and sincerely she feels regarding this issue of there being more than 34,000 people being eligible to apply. We will do all we can to ensure the maximum number of the 34,000 are in receipt of support.

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