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

I thank the Deputy for her question because it has now been well proved nationally and internationally that early childhood care and education has a beneficial effect for children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This is the case if it is of high quality; if it is of poor quality, it can be detrimental. Quality is very much the focus of the Department and interdepartmental group which engages with parents and service providers. What we want is affordable and accessible quality early child care. We have put in place a number of incentives, including another €1.5 million for a learner fund to encourage people to upskill. This will take a period of time, but the moneys we have available should allow between 900 and 1,000 people to upskill each year. Wages and terms and conditions are matters for providers and their employees.

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