Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister and welcome the success of this scheme. I am concerned, however, about whether it will continue. On Monday last, I met with Barnardos in Knocknaheeny in Cork where a programme is based. As the Minister will know, Barnardos total budget for the year is approximately €15 million. It gets €12 million through Tusla and there is a shortfall of approximately €3 million, which it is challenging. Barnardos does similar projects and meets a number of people to give support to children who are going to school and giving support to parents. I very much welcome this programme is in place and hope it continues. I ask the Minister to outline what the intentions are in respect of rolling it out to the areas I represent in Cork city. What are the long-term plans for this whole area? This is an essential programme, especially the provision of support to parents.

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