117. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the work ongoing within her Department toward the reduction of childcare costs and making childcare more accessible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7540/25]

Sentiment score: 0.01

I want to ask the Minister about her ongoing work in the Department focusing on the reduction of childcare costs and making childcare more accessible. What are the plans to get to the commitment in the programme for Government to reduce childcare costs to €200 per child per month?

Sentiment score: 0.23

I appreciate the investment that has been made in early childcare. It has increased by about 40% in recent years, so it is quite a substantial investment. Unfortunately, as the Minister is well aware, we still have some of the highest childcare costs in Europe and we are second in the OECD countries. It is quite substantial and it is still quite a challenge for parents to try to meet. A recent Dublin Chamber of Commerce report found that nine out of ten businesses reported that the childcare crisis is a significant barrier to attracting and retaining staff. Not only is this affecting parents, children and childcare workers, it is also having a huge impact on business overall and is potentially affecting our competitiveness. What are the Minister's plans on engaging with the existing childcare providers who are the backbone of the current system and know the parents and their communities? How will these be incorporated in the Minister's plans to get to the figure of €200 per month, per child?

Sentiment score: 0.21

I acknowledge the Minister's comments on the investment and the work she is doing to try to address the issues in the system. However, there is one area I am not picking up on. The survey of parents is being done and that is very worthwhile, but I am particularly interested in the Minister's measures to try to engage with the existing providers about moving to a different model of childcare provision. The Minister has talked about trying to open up a public service basis and actually having services directly provided. Many childcare providers in my area of Dublin-Rathdown are concerned about how that could impact on them in the future. They have invested quite significantly in their businesses. They know their communities and the parents and they want to know how this will potentially impact them and if they are going to be engaged in this transition.

Sentiment score: 0.19