Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)

The Deputy is right that we need to pay proper wages and that is why I announced that allocation yesterday for pay. That will only flow to providers if there is an agreement to increase pay. We need to go further; I do not think that is the end of the pay discussion by any means.

Deputy Murnane O'Connor's point on the need for a place is similar to what Deputy Farrell spoke about and what we have spent most of the morning talking about. Next year, there is €25 million for capital funding. That can be drawn down by private providers or community providers.

A question that will ultimately be for the next government is where capital is available. Is it available for the community sector or private sector? If we decide to take an approach involving direct public provision, is that where the capital goes? Nothing is unlimited. That will be a strategic decision the next government takes. In my non-ministerial role, it is something I am considering at the moment; I am sure other parties are discussing it as well.

See this speech in context