James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The capitation payments provided under the programme are made in advance and early in each school term. This funding is a major support for child care providers, particularly at a time when, because of economic circumstances and the position on employment, the demand for child care places is reduced.

The Deputy contended that earlier in the week he learned what I was not going to do. He may have learned from the reply to a parliamentary question what officials are highlighting and recommending, as opposed to decisions I, as Minister, have made on the policies required to address what all Members know is a serious expense in the cost of child care which is akin to a second mortgage for most families. The Government is acutely aware of this and developing a strategy for the early years that will help it to address this issue. It will not be a single strand simply involving talk of a second free preschool year. Everybody realises those in primary school and early secondary school are in serious trouble with child care issues which the Government will address.

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