Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Does the Department believe that there is merit in the temporary wage support scheme being put on a permanent footing as a new model in the context of childcare? It would reduce the cost to parents and ensure staff earn a decent wage. I am sure this was Dr. Lynch's concern on 13 March. I remember ringing him on that particular day to ask what the difference was between what the shortfall was to ensure that we could hold on to the highly-trained staff and give reassurances to the providers. Subsequently, the Department has done all of that. The Department has been analysing this. Do our guests think there is merit in putting it on a permanent footing?