Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

I acknowledge this is a personal interest of Deputy Kerrane because she has raised it on many occasions. It is my absolute determination that €45 million is being made available and it is my absolute wish that that €45 million is used fully, totally and wholly for the purpose for which it is given.

I would always say, irrespective of whether I am inside the House or outside, that if we do not have a workforce and if they do not feel that they are appropriately remunerated and valued, they will go elsewhere. It is really important. That is obviously to the benefit of providers who are providing the service, it is to the benefit of parents but, most of all, it is to the benefit of the children who are in their care. I am clear about that €45 million and how I would like to see it being utilised.

I am equally clear that providers need resourcing. As I have said, €350 million in core funding is being made available this year. Work is also under way in terms of minimising the administrative burden that providers speak about. There is a body of work under way.

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