Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am disappointed with the answer because years ago when all these groups were set up, the after-school services were always in what would have been called disadvantaged areas but now these parents are going to lose out. They will not be able to afford to send their children to after-school services. We are talking about the most vulnerable in our society. I beg the Minister to re-examine the scheme. There are good parts in the scheme. We need to make it work across the board so that it suits everyone. I can understand that but I believe that, as it stands, the most vulnerable will suffer. I estimate that 1,000 children or more throughout the country are using this scheme. This really needs to be addressed and I have major concerns about it.

I have received requests to meet the Minister, in particular from Kathryn Wall, who oversees this area. She is excellent, as are her six part-time staff. We are seeking a meeting with the Minister to go through facts and figures. I call on the Minister to meet us and to ensure that before the scheme is implemented, some help would be given in this regard. We cannot lose this area. It is for children who are the most vulnerable in our society. I would appreciate if the Minister could do that for me.