Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister. One of the issues I raised concerned Barnardos and the work it is doing. These are two separate programmes, but this is about co-ordination and working together. It is extremely important that this happens. The work the Department is doing means it has now acquired a great deal of expertise. It is the same with Barnardos and what it is doing. It also has a large amount of expertise. It is about pooling it and delivering a comprehensive service in areas and giving support. I must compliment the Department on the amount of work it has done in this area. In real terms, while it is spending €5 million, it is a huge saving in the long term for the State. All these projects really benefit the children and families and the State in the long term in respect of assisting people at a very early age.

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