Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I have a question for each group but I hope to be really quick with the questions. I thank the Dublin 8 After School Alliance for highlighting the importance of after-school services as an equality measure aimed at reducing the gaps seen because of educational disadvantage. This demonstrates the absolutely essential role of educational and social centres in supporting young people. They are rightly calling for access to community after-school projects for all children in DEIS areas and marginalised rural communities but what are the main steps that can be taken to help achieve this? I know there was mention of long-term sustainable funding but what specific Departments could make that happen?

The Urlingford community childcare representatives explained how the national childcare scheme has negatively affected thousands of children from disadvantaged and marginalised families. In particular, they indicated how an unemployed parent or parents are entitled to fewer or no subsidised hours of childcare compared with working parents. What must happen immediately to address that?