On the legislation promised to facilitate continued support of the Pobal-funded network of social economy projects, the increase in the minimum wage will have a significant impact on the ability of Pobal projects to pay staff. There is no increase in the wage grant for projects funded by Pobal. I raised this matter in a parliamentary question but the reply I received stated that staffing matters are an issue for the social economy projects and have no direct impact on Pobal. Either the Department misunderstood the question or it showed a blatant disregard for the problem I am trying to solve. This issue falls within the remit of the new Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Madigan. I ask that it be addressed in the context of projects across the country. Otherwise, many of these beneficial projects will be put out of business.

These budgets have been set for 2018. Agencies must work within the budgets that are set. At this stage there cannot be a revision of budgetary provision. That would make it impossible to have reliable budgeting. While I am sure Pobal, in the context of its allocations and choices, will attempt to accommodate applications, I cannot see how an across-the-board change in budgeting could be possible.