Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sure Deputy Troy will agree that many parents out there are finding times very difficult and the cash payments are incredibly important to them, obviously. The point I was making regarding the spend was to explain that we do not have more accessible and affordable child care because the money is going on those cash payments. In terms of the future direction and where the money will be found, we would have to consider very carefully any changes to cash payments because families are very reliant on them. That is the reality. That is why the incremental approach I am suggesting with regard to the second free preschool year is realistic, at present. However, as soon as there is more economic growth, I agree with the Deputy that this should be a priority area for us as a society and for this Government. We must examine, as carefully and comprehensively as we can, ways in which we can improve the situation in this country so that we have more affordable and accessible child care. Building up the infrastructure that would allow that is extremely costly and that is why I am outlining the various steps we are taking towards that goal.

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