Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

The Department's officials at every seminar they attended insisted we wanted all the data possible. In the past, as the scheme grew we had only generalised data available, whereas now we want specific data to ensure we have the profile of the beneficiaries who use the service. I am very glad to report to the Seanad, as I did to Dáil Éireann last night, that we indicated to all groups that we wanted the data back as early as possible in November. At this stage 75% of the groups have responded in complete detail to the questionnaires we sent them. Quite a large percentage of the remainder have contacted the Department by telephone to state the data are being compiled.

Senator Cecelia Keaveney has made a very valid point. She spoke to me on the telephone late one night regarding the group's data for which she wanted a quick analysis. When we analysed the data submitted by a number of the groups we found they would get a higher subvention under the proposed scheme than they get under the outgoing scheme.