Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

I reiterate that the Government is absolutely committed to the €200 per month payment as outlined in the programme for Government over its lifetime. I took note of the Deputy's commentary that this provider and other providers are suggesting that core funding "traps services". That is not an accurate phrase to use insofar as I can point to the fact that core funding provided €1.5 million in year one of the scheme for Once Upon a Time services. That increased to €2.1 million in year two and indeed €2.5 million was made available in year three through core funding to those services. I am not so sure trapping the service is accurate nor indeed is it accurate when we reflect upon the fact that at this point in the year 90% of services have all engaged with the core funding model and have signed up to the core funding model. Clearly, the vast majority of services we have, believe in the core funding model, notwithstanding that we can always improve the situation. They have subscribed to the core funding model.

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