Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I get the need for urgency. The fact that the Senator has raised the matter will further emphasise the urgency. I have been assured that in recent days officials from both Departments have been in touch on progressing this matter. Yes, it can and should be done quickly, and it is very important that it is. I stress that the option to avail of €2,500 is still open to councillors. If they do so, it does not preclude them from availing of further funds if the grant amount is increased under the new proposals. I cannot go into details on the proposal and what is being discussed, for obvious reasons, but we want to see something that is enhanced and that removes the obstacles that are evidenced by such a low uptake. We will come back as soon as we have any indication that progress has been made in this regard.