I thank the Deputy for raising an issue that is very close to her heart and for which she is advocating strongly. The €200 childcare cost is a programme for Government commitment. We will progressively implement that. The next budget will be important in that regard, in addition to what has been achieved already. We accept that childcare remains a very significant cost for many families and affects participation in the workplace, the proper care of their children and identifying the developmental needs of their children. Through the national childcare scheme, about 270,000 children will be supported next year, which is about 27,000 more than this year. After subsidies are applied, parents in some instances will pay no more than €198.70 per week for a full-day place of 40 hours to 50 hours. Some pay significantly less, depending on their income. We have introduced fee caps to services participating in core funding of €295 per week for a standard full-day place and €354 for services operating longer hours. From September, we will increase the income thresholds under the scheme and core funding has seen a 62% increase since it was introduced in 2022. Participation is now strong, with 93% of services involved. Over 4,590 providers have signed up. That is the highest level to date. That allows us to maintain fees at 2021 levels. We also need to support providers with new sectoral pay agreements. We must consider places, human resources and staff, and getting the fees down even further. There is additional capital funding this year to create 2,300 additional childcare places. The early childhood care and education, ECCE, programme benefits over 105,000 children. The Equal Start programme is also expanding, with more priority services and the Bia Blasta nutrition programme. That said, we know there is more to be done, particularly on the reduction in the cost of childcare. We also need to increase places so there is easier availability for parents in terms of childcare places closer to where they live and work. Given the exponential growth in employment participation in this country over the last decade, as the services have expanded, the demand and challenges have expanded, too. I am fully cognisant of the issue the Deputy has raised, as I know the Minister is.

Sentiment score: 0.23

Investment has grown significantly. It is up 12% again this year compared with last year. The sector will receive about €1.5 billion this year, but demand will grow. We also have to keep an eye on the quality of childcare that is provided as much as on capacity. That is why investment in the workforce is important. A total of €45 million has been provided this year in ring-fenced funding for another wage order on top of the €45 million that was provided for last year. We are making incremental progress on pay for childcare workers. An online consultation on the early years action plan is under way, alongside local and national consultation events, ensuring that reform is shaped with providers, educators and parents. That is important. At the heart of that reform is a clear focus on affordability, accessibility and the achievement of high-quality early learning and care to deliver on our commitment to reduce the cost of childcare to €200 per child per month over the lifetime of this Government.

Sentiment score: 0.18