Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I thank the Minister of State for his response and for the indication that there will be an add-on programme available to people in autumn 2009. However, in light of the many similarities between the qualifications achieved by people prior to summer 2006 and the qualifications for which people now receive an allowance, will the Minister of State seek from the Minister an assurance that the cost to be borne by teachers taking this course will be sufficiently low as to reflect the fact that the skills and expertise acquired will be relatively small in comparison with the significant expertise they gained in the first instance?