Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I had something prepared but I will do my best to run through some of the points that were raised.

Deputy Kerrane should note that on the challenges regarding respite, residential services and others, it is positive that we can say there is a €3.2 billion budget for disabilities. This has been raised by other speakers as well. It has led to considerable improvements in some areas but, without doubt, there are challenges. It is our ambition, as we will be looking towards a new budget, to do more and more in this space.

On assessments of need, which have been raised by others also, and specifically the issue of additional funding, I want to be really clear: €10 million has been made available to access private assessments this year. However, as I have said previously, I want to be 100% clear that if there is an opportunity to make additional private capacity available and if it takes more money to achieve it, money will not be the barrier. We are aware that there is a limit to private capacity but the Government has given an absolute commitment that if more can be done, money in excess of the €10 million will be found and put in place.

The workforce plan will be done in 2025. On the accelerated pathway for speech and language therapy, which I acknowledge Deputy Kerrane has raised time and again and on which matter she has given a very good personal example, I will take the matter up with the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill.

On the section 39 organisations, which I know others have referenced, we have made a lot of progress. I am not at all suggesting it is a finished journey. I welcome the fact that a pay deal of around 9.25% was almost overwhelmingly accepted by the workforce. Critical was the fact that there will be a link to all future pay deals. Therefore, we have made some progress on this journey. I welcome the fact that everybody sat around the table with the absolute intention to come to a solution. Indeed, one of the first things I did as Minister was ask for a return to sitting around the table to find a solution. I recognise the work of everybody who made that possible.

Family resource centres, which others have raised as well, do extraordinary work. They are absolutely invaluable to us and are hubs for so many. They are open to all, which is probably the most important aspect of them. There has been an increase in funding for family resource centres. There is, as Members will be aware, a plan to have additional family resource centres. Everybody is keen to have one in his or her own area. There is a limited number this year but I hope we will be in a better position going forward. This is an ambition of mine. I recognise the great work the centres do.

On special care, significant funding of €1.2 billion has gone to Tusla this year. Without doubt, there are challenges over personnel but there is great work being done by Tusla by way of recruiting from abroad and bringing in a new category around special care. There is extraordinary work being done by the individuals on the ground and we will continue to do all we can to support them.

Early learning and childcare actually represent 23% of the Vote. It is a substantial investment. Points have been raised over the need to do more. I am aware that Deputy Farrelly raised access and the need to have an opportunity to avail of the services. There are three aspects to what we intend. The first is that there should be affordability for parents. We have walked quite a distance of the journey in this regard. Deputy Wall has referred to the €200. The Government commitment is absolute. Affordability for parents must be matched by the availability of a workforce. That is really important. Those in the workforce must be rewarded and compensated for the work they do as expert professionals in the field. We have made progress in this regard. It is a case of recognising where there are gaps in provision. There is a commitment to move towards the public model.

I acknowledge that private providers are doing great work. For the first time, the State has invested just short of €1 billion in what is now called core funding to facilitate providers to ensure fees are kept down for families.

The building blocks scheme has resulted in an additional 1,500 places. Deputy Wall referred to the fund, early learning and childcare and the providers who are under duress. I absolutely accept that they are but, as I said, we have invested quite heavily there. The Deputy referred to section 39 organisations and to playgrounds. A small amount of funding makes a huge amount of difference. The €500,000 was very well spent.

I will finish with Deputy Farrelly. He referred to the new committee. It will be an honour for me to work with it. I recognise the great integrity of everybody who is here and who wants to work towards solutions. I look forward to working with them. The Deputy referred to the family resource centres, disability and-----

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