Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

Regarding the national development plan, there is intensive engagement including bilaterals with the Minister. I have met with the Minister, as have officials in the Department. There is considerable engagement around this. We have an ambitious programme. It is reflected in the programme for Government. That is across all levels and supporting many aspects of childcare. The Deputy referenced the public model. There is a determination to recognise what has been provided by existing providers and supporting them in their capacity to do more in schemes like building blocks. Where no one is available or stepping in, we will pursue the public model. The Deputy is correct that the more money we have at our disposal, the better it is. That is our objective with the national development plan. We are one of many Departments seeking significant uplifts there but we are pursuing it with vigour and determination. I am hopeful but I cannot give a definitive answer as the engagements are ongoing. We are engaging vociferously - that would be a good word for it.

The Deputy mentioned core funding. The level of funding provided by the State to the sector is unprecedented. Never before has it happened. The State is a significant provider and actor in support of the sector, with €390 million this year. Not all fee increases absorbed the full NCS increase. In many counties, the average subsidy for income assessed was above the county average in terms of the fee assessment. I hear what the Deputy is saying about the adjustment and the need to look at it again. It is my objective to make the schemes we have work for everybody - providers, parents and those working in the sector. As I read myself into this brief and see challenges or capacity to do more or look a second time, I am happy to do that. We are in the process of looking at everything within the system.