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

I will actually be having that chat with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and look forward to speaking with him as we approach the budget. I know that he is interested in this issue and that he is as concerned as I am about the well-being of children who are our future.

In respect of the scheme, the Deputy must accept that during the worst recession and darkest fiscal fiasco the country had ever endured we maintained the programmes and supported many of these providers through that difficult period. Had the Government not provided that support, many of the providers would not now be in business.

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