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

I am aware that there are 4,200 service providers under the ECCE scheme. I was talking about the community childcare subvention scheme. Is the Minister aware of the difference between the two schemes because only 30% of service providers can administer and operate the community childcare subvention? I welcome his commitment that the early years strategy will deal with the affordability of child care. When will Members have sight of the strategy because it has been promised for more than two years? As for the sustainability of the child care sector, can consideration also be given to commissioning a sustainability audit for the early childhood sector as part of the early years strategy? I note that in most counties the community not-for-profit sector is exempt from commercial rates and that what is being introduced in the valuation legislation merely will ensure consistency nationwide. However, as the Minister is aware, the private service providers also provide a service for the State and as some might argue they are providing a service the State should be providing, they also should be given special consideration in the rates they pay.

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