Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her comprehensive response. She highlighted the work of the staff and the SNAs in this area. Without them, we would not have a summer programme. We owe them all a great debt of gratitude for their work in this regard. As the Minister of State outlined, the scheme has been a great success. The numbers participating are increasing year on year. I welcome that €40 million has been allocated for the programme this year. It would appear, however, that because the numbers participating are increasing, more funding will be required to ensure that no children or no parents lose out in the context of summer provision. Many of them depend very much on it.

I respectfully request that the Minister review the situation, and, as the Minister of State indicated, keep the entire programme under review. It is vital that this is done. The financial contribution from the Department should also form part of any review.