Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The qualitative research is extremely valuable when we are investing significant amounts of taxpayers' money. The research process was built into this pilot from day one to ensure we were assessing the scheme's actual outcomes. We look forward to seeing the qualitative paper the Minister spoke about earlier. There are options here. The Minister could look to extend the scheme for the existing 2,000 participants, he could look to bring in a new 2,000 participants into the scheme or he could look to grow the scheme in its entirety. A decision will have to be made in terms of the next budgetary process. The Minister's predecessor, former Deputy Catherine Martin, secured funding for the scheme up to the end of this year, I think. From the start of 2026, though, a clear decision will have to be taken. I think the evidence to date points to the benefits of the scheme and suggests we should be looking to grow it. I look forward to engaging further with the Minister when additional information is provided.

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