Dr. Naomi Feely:

As I mentioned, we did a survey last year. It was a small-scale survey with 95 respondents, with a mix of community and private providers. However, it was clear from the analysis that community providers were proportionately providing additional support for key cohorts who may be experiencing social exclusion, such as children experiencing homelessness. Community providers are critical and a really important aspect of childcare provision in Ireland and we would like to see further investment from the Government to develop a public model.