Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

It will continue to do so under the careful stewardship of this Government which has recognised, for the first time, the need to foster the sector and which has provided significant funding, both directly and indirectly, to support that growth. The range of supports available under the EOCP and in the broader range of Government actions to support the child care sector is a testament to its commitment — and a contrast to the performance of the previous Government — to support parents in meeting their child care and employment needs for the economic and social betterment of our country.

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