89. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when she expects the planned review of core funding to take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20772/25]

Sentiment score: 0.01

As a dad of three in a constituency that has one of the fastest growing communities in the country, childcare and the services that underpin our childcare system are crucial to many of the working families. My question for the Minister is regarding the planned review of core funding, the timeframe for that to be rolled out, the process that will underpin it and give certainty to a number of providers who at this stage are starting to leave the childcare system because of the financial pressure they are under.

Sentiment score: 0.08

I thank the Minister for her response. Without a doubt, I welcome the huge progress that has been made in bringing the costs of childcare back down. It was certainly raised with me by parents throughout the campaign and we are keen to maintain that progress and see it persist throughout the lifetime of this Government and to achieve that aim of a monthly cap of €200 in childcare costs for every family in the State. The trick with core funding is - and I fully understand the challenges - about getting the balance right for parents but also for providers. There have been one or two providers in my constituency that have withdrawn from the core funding model. What they have told me is that the financial pressure they are under is real. I acknowledge the progress that has been made with regard to issues such as pay and so on but I ask that the evaluations that will be undertaken by the IGEES and other bodies will feed into that planned review and give certainty to the provider side of the sector to ensure it can then give certainty to the parents who rely on its services.

Sentiment score: 0.33

I recognise the huge progress that has been made in giving stability to that sector and shoring it up. That public investment is extremely welcome, not only because of the relief it gives working parents, but also ensuring full participation in the labour market for men and women, that they do not have to worry about the cost of childcare. One of the hallmarks of how core funding has been improved in the previous four years - which has been very positive and I am keen for it to continue - is that engagement between the Department, parents and providers and that parents who have rightly seen the great progress being made in reducing the cost of childcare are not necessarily left with a provider that will exit the core funding scheme. It is not necessarily that the provider would close, but that it would exit the core funding scheme. The review the Minister has alluded to is important, and I look forward to seeing the results of the evaluation. I also welcome the Minister's clarification today that a body of work is being done on the administrative burden faced by childcare providers, which, compared to the Minister's previous portfolio in schools and so on, there is a bit of difference there in respect of how much administrative work is required of childcare providers versus schools.

Sentiment score: 0.54