Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are all as one in agreeing that high-quality child care is paramount. However, the Minister did not answer my question. She provided a history of what happened, but everyone is aware of that. The early child care supplement of €1,000 was abolished by the previous Government, but it was also replaced by the first universal free preschool year. The latter was a welcome development, as the Minister acknowledged.

Recent months have seen two reports: the Indecon report commissioned by the Donegal County Childcare Committee, DCCC, and an OECD report. Both highlighted how the cost of child care was preventing young families from returning to the workforce. At a committee meeting on 20 February, the Minister confirmed that a review of the schemes had started. What will she do about these schemes to support families that urgently need the State's help?

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