Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)

I think we both got stuck for time when we were trying to address the question. I specifically asked about the Mary Geary set-up in Carrigtwohill. I ask about it because it is the largest provider in Munster, if not the country. We are concerned because there are no alternatives for people who choose to go elsewhere. I asked the Taoiseach about it last week but have still not received a response. We are particularly concerned because there are about 300 families with 450 children affected and they are faced with the prospect of a 34% hike in fees because the provider has decided to go outside of the core scheme. It is perfectly entitled to make that decision but there are very few alternatives for people. They feel tied to the service and that is a massive increase for any household to take on. I ask for clarity on the threshold. I think there is a threshold of some €700,000 or €750,000 that they are not allowed to exceed. In cases of a massive provider like this, is there any way those thresholds can be looked at?

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