19. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on children and education will next meet. [69876/25]

Sentiment score: 0.00

I recognise that progress has been made in the last 12 months in relation to the cost of childcare, with the expansion of the national childcare scheme subsidies, improvements to core funding and a lowering of the maximum cap on fees. This has brought weekly costs for childcare to around €200 for families who are paying the highest rates. Many of my constituents in Meath West have told me that there has been good progress in the downward trajectory of their childcare bills. About 15% more families availed of subsidies in Meath last year, so the changes are working but we still have a significant way to go to turn €200 per week into €200 per month.

Sentiment score: 0.37