Colm Burke (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. I am somewhat concerned about some of the information in the reply - for instance the reference to the VEC. The 960 VES hours equates to 1.5 teachers in real terms. The VEC has indicated it cannot guarantee that it will be able to provide those hours next year. I am surprised at the 2,768 hours the Minister of State mentioned. I would question that, but I will check it. It is certainly news to me. My understanding is that the Christian Brothers put €90,000 into the centre this year.

The building is also being provided by the order and not by the Department. For more than 13 years I was on the board of management of one of the centres to which the Minister of State referred and which is funded by FÁS. I was chairman of the board of directors for three years and I had six full-time staff. Training was provided for more than 50 people at any one time. The Minister of State's reply refers to people who are aged 15 years and upwards. In fact, it is dealing with people from the age of 12 years and these children are at risk. I ask the Department to ensure a long-term budgetary plan is put in place for this centre because it is dealing with people who are very vulnerable.