5.4.1 The Committee is deeply concerned about the small allocations to the care and development programmes, which show decreases in real terms. It acknowledges that given the high level of overcrowding such programmes, even if adequately funded, would be an enormous challenge to run. The minimal increase to the number of offenders participating in literacy programmes over the MTEF period is unacceptable for example, as it contradicts the DCS' key rehabilitation and reintegration objectives. While the Committee acknowledges that the DCS' shortage of skilled professionals such as teachers, and infrastructural challenges do not always make delivery on such services possible, it must emphasise that there should be greater synergy between the Department's strategic objectives, and how it funds its programmes. 5.4.2 While the Estimates of National Expenditure ascribe the growth in the budget to the corrections programme as mainly due to additional allocations for implementing the activities of the White Paper over the medium term, it is clear that at the current rate of implementation, full implementation of activities such as risk assessment and profiling of offenders, and the running of the case management committees that advise the correctional supervision and parole boards, will take many years. The Committee is hopeful that the recently introduced portfolio management strategy will assist in monitoring and improving service delivery across all programmes, but in particular across those that have the potential of limiting recidivism. 5.4.3 Among the health related matters raised, concern about the medical parole process stood out. It is clear that a review of this process is necessary to make it more effective, less open to manipulation, and possibly inclusive of seriously ill inmates. Health care services to sick inmates are also often inadequate and more should be done to ensure that basic health care needs are met. The Committee will engage the relevant stakeholders on both the medical parole, and general health care service delivery.